Mackay State High School vs Tullawong State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 760 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
Tullawong State High School
Caboolture · Government high school · 7-12
897 students · ICSEA 936
| Measure | Mackay State High School South Mackay QLD | Tullawong State High School Caboolture QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #230 of 269 | #231 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #1301 of 1,472 | #1302 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,254 | 897 |
| Girls / boys | 559 / 695 | 441 / 456 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 219 | 158 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 115 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 936 | 936 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 53% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.8 | 80.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 50.9 | 39.7 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 15% |
| Suburb | South Mackay 4740 | Caboolture 4510 |
| Council area | Mackay | Moreton Bay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | mackayshs.eq.edu.au | tullawongshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (25.3 vs 25.3).
- •Tullawong State High School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 13.2).
- •Mackay State High School is the larger school with 1,254 students compared with 897.
- •Mackay State High School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -21%).
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 State High School better than Tullawong State High School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Mackay State High School and Tullawong State High School?
About 760 km in a straight line, between South Mackay and Caboolture in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay State High School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tullawong State High School has 11.1.
How do Mackay State High School and Tullawong State High School rank in QLD?
Mackay State High School is 230th of 269 and Tullawong State High School is 231st of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.