Mackay West State School vs St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 271 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mackay West State School
West Mackay · Government primary · Prep-6
770 students · ICSEA 980
St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School
Mackay West · Catholic primary · Prep-6
569 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | Mackay West State School West Mackay QLD | St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School Mackay West QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #370 of 804 | #381 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2898 of 4,908 | #2963 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 770 | 569 |
| Girls / boys | 355 / 415 | 281 / 288 |
| Foundation intake | 99 | 85 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +23% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 980 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 38th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 18.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 52.9 | 30.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 36.6 | 19.7 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 6% |
| Suburb | West Mackay 4740 | Mackay West 4740 |
| Council area | Mackay | Mackay |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mackaywestss.eq.edu.au | www.sfxmrok.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (47.2 vs 46.4).
- •St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 980), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mackay West State School has fewer students per teacher (14.6 vs 18.8).
- •Mackay West State School is the larger school with 770 students compared with 569.
- •Mackay West State School has grown faster over five years (23% vs 2%).
- •Mackay West State School is a government school while St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is a catholic school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 West State School better than St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary 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 West State School and St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School?
About 271 m in a straight line, between West Mackay and Mackay West in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mackay West State School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School has 18.8.
How do Mackay West State School and St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School rank in QLD?
Mackay West State School is 370th of 804 and St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School is 381st of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.