McDowall State School vs Payne Road State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 7.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McDowall State School
Mcdowall · Government primary · Prep-6
988 students · ICSEA 1120
Payne Road State School
The Gap · Government primary · Prep-6
299 students · ICSEA 1120
| Measure | McDowall State School Mcdowall QLD | Payne Road State School The Gap QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 804 | #11 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #717 of 4,908 | #128 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 988 | 299 |
| Girls / boys | 483 / 505 | 148 / 151 |
| Foundation intake | 146 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 1120 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 51% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.7 | 21.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 13.1 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Mcdowall 4053 | The Gap 4061 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | mcdowallss.eq.edu.au | payneroadss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Payne Road State School scores higher on the Success Index (81.4 vs 73.2).
- •Payne Road State School has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 16.3).
- •McDowall State School is the larger school with 988 students compared with 299.
- •Payne Road State School has grown faster over five years (10% vs -2%).
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 McDowall State School better than Payne Road State School?
On the Success Index, Payne Road State School ranks higher (81.4 vs 73.2 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 McDowall State School and Payne Road State School?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Mcdowall and The Gap in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McDowall State School has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Payne Road State School has 14.2.
How do McDowall State School and Payne Road State School rank in QLD?
McDowall State School is 61st of 804 and Payne Road State School is 11th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.