Mackay State High School vs Mackay West State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay State High School
South Mackay · Government high school · 7-12
1,254 students · ICSEA 936
Mackay West State School
West Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
770 students · ICSEA 980
| Measure | Mackay State High School South Mackay QLD | Mackay West State School West Mackay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #230 of 269 | #370 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1301 of 1,472 | #2898 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,254 | 770 |
| Girls / boys | 559 / 695 | 355 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | – | 99 |
| Year 7 cohort | 219 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | +23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 936 | 980 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.8 | 52.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 50.9 | 36.6 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 14% |
| Suburb | South Mackay 4740 | West Mackay 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackayshs.eq.edu.au | mackaywestss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mackay West State School scores higher on the Success Index (47.2 vs 25.3).
- •Mackay West State School has the higher ICSEA (980 vs 936), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay State High School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 14.6).
- •Mackay State High School is the larger school with 1,254 students compared with 770.
- •Mackay West State School has grown faster over five years (23% vs 11%).
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 State High School better than Mackay West State School?
On the Success Index, Mackay West State School ranks higher (47.2 vs 25.3 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 State High School and Mackay West State School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between South Mackay and West Mackay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay State High School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mackay West State School has 14.6.
How do Mackay State High School and Mackay West State School rank in QLD?
Mackay State High School is 230th of 269 and Mackay West State School is 370th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.