Magnetic Island State School vs St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 11 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Magnetic Island State School
Nelly Bay · Government primary · Prep-6
123 students · ICSEA 1027
St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand
North Ward · Catholic primary · Prep-6
355 students · ICSEA 1100
| Measure | Magnetic Island State School Nelly Bay QLD | St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand North Ward QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 73 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #252 of 804 | #62 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2236 of 4,908 | #729 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 123 | 355 |
| Girls / boys | 63 / 60 | 179 / 176 |
| Foundation intake | 20 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1027 | 1100 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.4 | 26.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 14.3 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 3% |
| Suburb | Nelly Bay 4819 | North Ward 4810 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | magneticislandss.eq.edu.au | www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand scores higher on the Success Index (73.1 vs 56.2).
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has the higher ICSEA (1100 vs 1027), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand is the larger school with 355 students compared with 123.
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -22%).
- •Magnetic Island State School is a government school while St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand 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.
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 Magnetic Island State School better than St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand ranks higher (73.1 vs 56.2 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 Magnetic Island State School and St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand?
About 11 km in a straight line, between Nelly Bay and North Ward in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Magnetic Island State School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has 13.4.
How do Magnetic Island State School and St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand rank in QLD?
Magnetic Island State School is 252nd of 804 and St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand is 62nd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.