Marsden State High School vs Waterford West State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.2 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
Waterford West State School
Waterford West · Government primary · Prep-6
755 students · ICSEA 918
| Measure | Marsden State High School Waterford West QLD | Waterford West State School Waterford West QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #214 of 269 | #649 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #1245 of 1,472 | #4347 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 3,857 | 755 |
| Girls / boys | 1,826 / 2,031 | 381 / 374 |
| Foundation intake | – | 101 |
| Year 7 cohort | 642 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 482 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +36% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 943 | 918 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 15th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 60% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 260.0 | 55.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 107.2 | 23.1 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 16% |
| Suburb | Waterford West 4133 | Waterford West 4133 |
| Council area | Logan | Logan |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | marsdenshs.eq.edu.au | waterfordwestss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (27.5 vs 27.1).
- •Marsden State High School has the higher ICSEA (943 vs 918), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Waterford West State School has fewer students per teacher (13.6 vs 14.8).
- •Marsden State High School is the larger school with 3,857 students compared with 755.
- •Marsden State High School has grown faster over five years (36% vs 4%).
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 Waterford West State 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 Marsden State High School and Waterford West State School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Waterford West and Waterford West in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marsden State High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Waterford West State School has 13.6.
How do Marsden State High School and Waterford West State School rank in QLD?
Marsden State High School is 214th of 269 and Waterford West State School is 649th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.