Mackay North State High School vs Pioneer State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay North State High School
North Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,253 students · ICSEA 958
Pioneer State High School
Andergrove · Government high school · 7-12
536 students · ICSEA 875
| Measure | Mackay North State High School North Mackay QLD | Pioneer State High School Andergrove QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 16 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #193 of 269 | #263 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1166 of 1,472 | #1450 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,253 | 536 |
| Girls / boys | 644 / 609 | 267 / 269 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 204 | 107 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 57 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 958 | 875 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 66% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 100.5 | 47.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 48.6 | 31.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 35% |
| Suburb | North Mackay 4740 | Andergrove 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackaynorthshs.eq.edu.au | pioneershs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay North State High School scores higher on the Success Index (30.5 vs 16.1).
- •Mackay North State High School has the higher ICSEA (958 vs 875), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pioneer State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 12.5).
- •Mackay North State High School is the larger school with 1,253 students compared with 536.
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 North State High School better than Pioneer State High School?
On the Success Index, Mackay North State High School ranks higher (30.5 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 North State High School and Pioneer State High School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between North Mackay and Andergrove in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay North State High School has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pioneer State High School has 11.2.
How do Mackay North State High School and Pioneer State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay North State High School is 193rd of 269 and Pioneer State High School is 263rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.