Kelso State School vs Ryan Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 8.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kelso State School
Kelso · Government primary · Prep-6
303 students · ICSEA 828
Ryan Catholic College
Kirwan · Catholic combined · Prep-12
2,019 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | Kelso State School Kelso QLD | Ryan Catholic College Kirwan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 15 Lower 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #800 of 804 | #177 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #4897 of 4,908 | #848 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 303 | 2,019 |
| Girls / boys | 144 / 159 | 1,040 / 979 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | 104 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 220 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 180 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -29% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 828 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 4th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 73% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.5 | 155.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 87.3 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 43% | 10% |
| Suburb | Kelso 4815 | Kirwan 4817 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | kelsoss.eq.edu.au | www.ryan.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Ryan Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (40.6 vs 14.6).
- •Ryan Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 828), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kelso State School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 13.0).
- •Ryan Catholic College is the larger school with 2,019 students compared with 303.
- •Ryan Catholic College has grown faster over five years (3% vs -29%).
- •Kelso State School is a government school while Ryan Catholic 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 Kelso State School better than Ryan Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Ryan Catholic College ranks higher (40.6 vs 14.6 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 Kelso State School and Ryan Catholic College?
About 8.1 km in a straight line, between Kelso and Kirwan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kelso State School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ryan Catholic College has 13.0.
How do Kelso State School and Ryan Catholic College rank in QLD?
Kelso State School is 800th of 804 and Ryan Catholic College is 177th of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.