McDowall State School vs Queen of Apostles Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 2.6 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
Queen of Apostles Primary School
Stafford · Catholic primary · Prep-6
296 students · ICSEA 1106
| Measure | McDowall State School Mcdowall QLD | Queen of Apostles Primary School Stafford QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 804 | #123 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #717 of 4,908 | #1225 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 988 | 296 |
| Girls / boys | 483 / 505 | 162 / 134 |
| Foundation intake | 146 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 1106 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 39% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.7 | 21.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 11.0 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 1% |
| Suburb | Mcdowall 4053 | Stafford 4053 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | mcdowallss.eq.edu.au | www.qofa.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •McDowall State School scores higher on the Success Index (73.2 vs 67.8).
- •McDowall State School has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1106), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Queen of Apostles Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.7 vs 16.3).
- •McDowall State School is the larger school with 988 students compared with 296.
- •McDowall State School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -30%).
- •McDowall State School is a government school while Queen of Apostles Primary School 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 McDowall State School better than Queen of Apostles Primary School?
On the Success Index, McDowall State School ranks higher (73.2 vs 67.8 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 Queen of Apostles Primary School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Mcdowall and Stafford in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McDowall State School has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Queen of Apostles Primary School has 13.7.
How do McDowall State School and Queen of Apostles Primary School rank in QLD?
McDowall State School is 61st of 804 and Queen of Apostles Primary School is 123rd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.