Marist College vs Sophia College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 618 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Marist College
Emerald · Catholic high school · 7-12
697 students · ICSEA 999
Sophia College
Plainland · Catholic high school · 7-11
450 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Marist College Emerald QLD | Sophia College Plainland QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #115 of 269 | #122 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #754 of 1,472 | #784 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-11 |
| Students | 697 | 450 |
| Girls / boys | 364 / 333 | 243 / 207 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 140 | 112 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +27% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.1 | 38.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 22.1 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 7% |
| Suburb | Emerald 4720 | Plainland 4341 |
| Council area | Central Highlands (Qld) | Lockyer Valley |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.maristcollegeemerald.com.au | www.sophiacollege.qld.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx |
The verdict
- •Marist College scores higher on the Success Index (49.4 vs 47.7).
- •Marist College is the larger school with 697 students compared with 450.
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 Marist College better than Sophia College?
On the Success Index, Marist College ranks higher (49.4 vs 47.7 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 Marist College and Sophia College?
About 618 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Plainland in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marist College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sophia College has 11.7.
How do Marist College and Sophia College rank in QLD?
Marist College is 115th of 269 and Sophia College is 122nd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.