Mackay Central State School vs Mackay State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 987 m 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 State High School
South Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,254 students · ICSEA 936
| Measure | Mackay Central State School Mackay QLD | Mackay State High School South Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #614 of 804 | #230 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #4185 of 4,908 | #1301 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 216 | 1,254 |
| Girls / boys | 107 / 109 | 559 / 695 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 219 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 158 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 908 | 936 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 94.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 50.9 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 27% | 19% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4740 | South Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackaycentralss.eq.edu.au | mackayshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay Central State School scores higher on the Success Index (29.2 vs 25.3).
- •Mackay State High School has the higher ICSEA (936 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay State High School is the larger school with 1,254 students compared with 216.
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 Mackay Central State School better than Mackay State High School?
On the Success Index, Mackay Central State School ranks higher (29.2 vs 25.3 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 State High School?
About 987 m in a straight line, between Mackay and South 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 State High School has 13.2.
How do Mackay Central State School and Mackay State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay Central State School is 614th of 804 and Mackay State High School is 230th of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.