Mackay Central State School vs Mackay North State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay Central State School
Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
216 students · ICSEA 908
Mackay North State School
North Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
401 students · ICSEA 933
| Measure | Mackay Central State School Mackay QLD | Mackay North State School North Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #614 of 804 | #668 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4185 of 4,908 | #4407 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 216 | 401 |
| Girls / boys | 107 / 109 | 196 / 205 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 908 | 933 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 28.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 16.6 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 27% | 18% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4740 | North Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackaycentralss.eq.edu.au | macknortss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay Central State School scores higher on the Success Index (29.2 vs 26.3).
- •Mackay North State School has the higher ICSEA (933 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay Central State School has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.1).
- •Mackay North State School is the larger school with 401 students compared with 216.
- •Mackay Central State School has grown faster over five years (16% vs 2%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Mackay Central State School better than Mackay North State School?
On the Success Index, Mackay Central State School ranks higher (29.2 vs 26.3 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 Mackay Central State School and Mackay North State School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Mackay and North Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay Central State School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay North State School has 14.1.
How do Mackay Central State School and Mackay North State School rank in QLD?
Mackay Central State School is 614th of 804 and Mackay North State School is 668th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.