James Nash State High School vs St Patrick's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
James Nash State High School
Gympie · Government high school · 7-12
1,027 students · ICSEA 976
St Patrick's College
Gympie · Catholic high school · 7-12
514 students · ICSEA 1037
| Measure | James Nash State High School Gympie QLD | St Patrick's College Gympie QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #148 of 269 | #70 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #929 of 1,472 | #536 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,027 | 514 |
| Girls / boys | 508 / 519 | 265 / 249 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 168 | 98 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 71 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 976 | 1037 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 12.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 88.8 | 41.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 47.1 | 24.5 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 4% |
| Suburb | Gympie 4570 | Gympie 4570 |
| Council area | Gympie | Gympie |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | jamesnashshs.eq.edu.au | www.spcgympie.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's College scores higher on the Success Index (59.1 vs 41.0).
- •St Patrick's College has the higher ICSEA (1037 vs 976), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •James Nash State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 12.4).
- •James Nash State High School is the larger school with 1,027 students compared with 514.
- •St Patrick's College has grown faster over five years (10% vs -18%).
- •James Nash State High School is a government school while St Patrick's College is a catholic school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is James Nash State High School better than St Patrick's College?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's College ranks higher (59.1 vs 41.0 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are James Nash State High School and St Patrick's College?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Gympie and Gympie in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
James Nash State High School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's College has 12.4.
How do James Nash State High School and St Patrick's College rank in QLD?
James Nash State High School is 148th of 269 and St Patrick's College is 70th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.