Mackay State High School vs Sarina State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 30 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
Sarina State High School
Sarina · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 935
| Measure | Mackay State High School South Mackay QLD | Sarina State High School Sarina QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #230 of 269 | #216 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1301 of 1,472 | #1248 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,254 | 775 |
| Girls / boys | 559 / 695 | 403 / 372 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 219 | 133 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 75 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 936 | 935 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 51% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.8 | 66.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 50.9 | 34.9 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 16% |
| Suburb | South Mackay 4740 | Sarina 4737 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | mackayshs.eq.edu.au | sarinashs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sarina State High School scores higher on the Success Index (27.5 vs 25.3).
- •Mackay State High School has the higher ICSEA (936 vs 935), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sarina State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 13.2).
- •Mackay State High School is the larger school with 1,254 students compared with 775.
- •Mackay State High School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -3%).
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 Sarina State High School?
On the Success Index, Sarina State High School ranks higher (27.5 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 Sarina State High School?
About 30 km in a straight line, between South Mackay and Sarina in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay State High School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sarina State High School has 11.6.
How do Mackay State High School and Sarina State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay State High School is 230th of 269 and Sarina State High School is 216th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.