Mary MacKillop Catholic College vs Southern Cross Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Queensland, 1045 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mary MacKillop Catholic College
Highfields · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,047 students · ICSEA 1046
Southern Cross Catholic College
Annandale · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,479 students · ICSEA 1048
| Measure | Mary MacKillop Catholic College Highfields QLD | Southern Cross Catholic College Annandale QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #131 of 275 | #121 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #652 of 1,259 | #614 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,047 | 1,479 |
| Girls / boys | 525 / 522 | 711 / 768 |
| Foundation intake | 63 | 86 |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | 136 |
| Year 12 cohort | 63 | 106 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +45% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1046 | 1048 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.6 | 111.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.2 | 63.8 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 5% |
| Suburb | Highfields 4352 | Annandale 4814 |
| Council area | Toowoomba | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mmcc.catholic.edu.au/ | www.sctsv.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Cross Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (51.9 vs 50.2).
- •Southern Cross Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1048 vs 1046), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Cross Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.3 vs 14.6).
- •Southern Cross Catholic College is the larger school with 1,479 students compared with 1,047.
- •Mary MacKillop Catholic College has grown faster over five years (45% vs 12%).
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 Mary MacKillop Catholic College better than Southern Cross Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Southern Cross Catholic College ranks higher (51.9 vs 50.2 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 Mary MacKillop Catholic College and Southern Cross Catholic College?
About 1045 km in a straight line, between Highfields and Annandale in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mary MacKillop Catholic College has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Cross Catholic College has 13.3.
How do Mary MacKillop Catholic College and Southern Cross Catholic College rank in QLD?
Mary MacKillop Catholic College is 131st of 275 and Southern Cross Catholic College is 121st of 275 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.