Mackay Christian College vs Pioneer State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.1 km 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
Pioneer State High School
Andergrove · Government high school · 7-12
536 students · ICSEA 875
| Measure | Mackay Christian College North Mackay QLD | Pioneer State High School Andergrove QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 16 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #185 of 275 | #263 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #871 of 1,259 | #1450 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 879 | 536 |
| Girls / boys | 450 / 429 | 267 / 269 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 83 | 107 |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | 57 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1000 | 875 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 66% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.8 | 47.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 53.9 | 31.0 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 35% |
| Suburb | North Mackay 4740 | Andergrove 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mcc.qld.edu.au | pioneershs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (39.5 vs 16.1).
- •Mackay Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 875), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pioneer State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 13.8).
- •Mackay Christian College is the larger school with 879 students compared with 536.
- •Mackay Christian College has grown faster over five years (7% vs -9%).
- •Mackay Christian College is a independent school while Pioneer 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mackay Christian College better than Pioneer State High School?
On the Success Index, Mackay Christian College ranks higher (39.5 vs 16.1 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 Pioneer State High School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between North Mackay and Andergrove in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay Christian College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pioneer State High School has 11.2.
How do Mackay Christian College and Pioneer State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay Christian College is 185th of 275 and Pioneer State High School is 263rd of 269 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.