McAuley College vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McAuley College
Beaudesert · Catholic high school · 7-12
363 students · ICSEA 1016
St Mary's School
Beaudesert · Catholic primary · Prep-6
414 students · ICSEA 1014
| Measure | McAuley College Beaudesert QLD | St Mary's School Beaudesert QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #66 of 269 | #355 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #521 of 1,472 | #2831 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 363 | 414 |
| Girls / boys | 175 / 188 | 214 / 200 |
| Foundation intake | – | 80 |
| Year 7 cohort | 72 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 37 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +83% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1016 | 1014 |
| ICSEA percentile | 54th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 16.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.8 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 16.1 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 6% |
| Suburb | Beaudesert 4285 | Beaudesert 4285 |
| Council area | Scenic Rim | Scenic Rim |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.mcauley.qld.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx | www.stmarysbeaudesert.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •McAuley College scores higher on the Success Index (59.8 vs 48.2).
- •McAuley College has the higher ICSEA (1016 vs 1014), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McAuley College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 16.7).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 414 students compared with 363.
- •McAuley College has grown faster over five years (83% vs 18%).
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 McAuley College better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, McAuley College ranks higher (59.8 vs 48.2 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 McAuley College and St Mary's School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Beaudesert and Beaudesert in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McAuley College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 16.7.
How do McAuley College and St Mary's School rank in QLD?
McAuley College is 66th of 269 and St Mary's School is 355th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.