Mackay Northern Beaches State High School vs Toolooa State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 380 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School
Rural View · Government high school · 7-12
1,012 students · ICSEA 950
Toolooa State High School
South Gladstone · Government high school · 7-12
1,165 students · ICSEA 950
| Measure | Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Rural View QLD | Toolooa State High School South Gladstone QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #220 of 269 | #203 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1258 of 1,472 | #1197 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,012 | 1,165 |
| Girls / boys | 464 / 548 | 542 / 623 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 192 | 215 |
| Year 12 cohort | 137 | 162 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 950 | 950 |
| ICSEA percentile | 25th | 25th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 44% | 47% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.8 | 92.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 40.8 | 41.7 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 15% |
| Suburb | Rural View 4740 | South Gladstone 4680 |
| Council area | Mackay | Gladstone |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | macknorthbeachesshs.eq.edu.au | toolooashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Toolooa State High School scores higher on the Success Index (29.3 vs 27.0).
- •Toolooa State High School is the larger school with 1,165 students compared with 1,012.
- •Toolooa State High School has grown faster over five years (10% vs 0%).
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 Northern Beaches State High School better than Toolooa State High School?
On the Success Index, Toolooa State High School ranks higher (29.3 vs 27.0 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 Northern Beaches State High School and Toolooa State High School?
About 380 km in a straight line, between Rural View and South Gladstone in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Toolooa State High School has 12.5.
How do Mackay Northern Beaches State High School and Toolooa State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School is 220th of 269 and Toolooa State High School is 203rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.