Mackay Christian College vs Mackay North State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 895 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay Christian College
North Mackay · Independent combined · Prep-12
879 students · ICSEA 1000
Mackay North State High School
North Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,253 students · ICSEA 958
| Measure | Mackay Christian College North Mackay QLD | Mackay North State High School North Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #185 of 275 | #193 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #871 of 1,259 | #1166 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 879 | 1,253 |
| Girls / boys | 450 / 429 | 644 / 609 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 83 | 204 |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | 158 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1000 | 958 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 28th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.8 | 100.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 53.9 | 48.6 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 14% |
| Suburb | North Mackay 4740 | North Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mcc.qld.edu.au | mackaynorthshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (39.5 vs 30.5).
- •Mackay Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 958), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay North State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.8).
- •Mackay North State High School is the larger school with 1,253 students compared with 879.
- •Mackay Christian College has grown faster over five years (7% vs -9%).
- •Mackay Christian College is a independent school while Mackay North State High School is a government 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.
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 Christian College better than Mackay North State High School?
On the Success Index, Mackay Christian College ranks higher (39.5 vs 30.5 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 Christian College and Mackay North State High School?
About 895 m in a straight line, between North Mackay and North Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay Christian College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay North State High School has 12.5.
How do Mackay Christian College and Mackay North State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay Christian College is 185th of 275 and Mackay North State High School is 193rd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.