Mackay Central State School vs Mackay West State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 2.3 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 West State School
West Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
770 students · ICSEA 980
| Measure | Mackay Central State School Mackay QLD | Mackay West State School West Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #614 of 804 | #370 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #4185 of 4,908 | #2898 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 216 | 770 |
| Girls / boys | 107 / 109 | 355 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 99 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 908 | 980 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 52.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 36.6 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 27% | 14% |
| Suburb | Mackay 4740 | West Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackaycentralss.eq.edu.au | mackaywestss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay West State School scores higher on the Success Index (47.2 vs 29.2).
- •Mackay West State School has the higher ICSEA (980 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay Central State School has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.6).
- •Mackay West State School is the larger school with 770 students compared with 216.
- •Mackay West State School has grown faster over five years (23% vs 16%).
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 West State School?
On the Success Index, Mackay West State School ranks higher (47.2 vs 29.2 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 West State School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Mackay and West 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 West State School has 14.6.
How do Mackay Central State School and Mackay West State School rank in QLD?
Mackay Central State School is 614th of 804 and Mackay West State School is 370th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.