Marsden State High School vs St Francis College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Marsden State High School
Waterford West · Government high school · 7-12
3,857 students · ICSEA 943
St Francis College
Crestmead · Catholic combined · Prep-12
843 students · ICSEA 989
| Measure | Marsden State High School Waterford West QLD | St Francis College Crestmead QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #214 of 269 | #193 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #1245 of 1,472 | #914 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 3,857 | 843 |
| Girls / boys | 1,826 / 2,031 | 426 / 417 |
| Foundation intake | – | 73 |
| Year 7 cohort | 642 | 70 |
| Year 12 cohort | 482 | 51 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +36% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 943 | 989 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 260.0 | 66.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 107.2 | 36.6 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 4% |
| Suburb | Waterford West 4133 | Crestmead 4132 |
| Council area | Logan | Logan |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | marsdenshs.eq.edu.au | www.sfcc.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis College scores higher on the Success Index (37.2 vs 27.5).
- •St Francis College has the higher ICSEA (989 vs 943), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Francis College has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.8).
- •Marsden State High School is the larger school with 3,857 students compared with 843.
- •Marsden State High School has grown faster over five years (36% vs -18%).
- •Marsden State High School is a government school while St Francis College 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 Marsden State High School better than St Francis College?
On the Success Index, St Francis College ranks higher (37.2 vs 27.5 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 Marsden State High School and St Francis College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Waterford West and Crestmead in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marsden State High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis College has 12.7.
How do Marsden State High School and St Francis College rank in QLD?
Marsden State High School is 214th of 269 and St Francis College is 193rd of 275 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.