McDowall State School vs Stafford Heights State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 2.1 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
Stafford Heights State School
Stafford Heights · Government primary · Prep-6
303 students · ICSEA 986
| Measure | McDowall State School Mcdowall QLD | Stafford Heights State School Stafford Heights QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 804 | #353 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #717 of 4,908 | #2813 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 988 | 303 |
| Girls / boys | 483 / 505 | 147 / 156 |
| Foundation intake | 146 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +71% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 986 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 40th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.7 | 22.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 14.6 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 18% |
| Suburb | Mcdowall 4053 | Stafford Heights 4053 |
| Council area | Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | mcdowallss.eq.edu.au | staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •McDowall State School scores higher on the Success Index (73.2 vs 48.4).
- •McDowall State School has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 986), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Stafford Heights State School has fewer students per teacher (13.3 vs 16.3).
- •McDowall State School is the larger school with 988 students compared with 303.
- •Stafford Heights State School has grown faster over five years (71% vs -2%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Chermside
Frequently asked questions
Is McDowall State School better than Stafford Heights State School?
On the Success Index, McDowall State School ranks higher (73.2 vs 48.4 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 Stafford Heights State School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Mcdowall and Stafford Heights in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McDowall State School has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stafford Heights State School has 13.3.
How do McDowall State School and Stafford Heights State School rank in QLD?
McDowall State School is 61st of 804 and Stafford Heights State School is 353rd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.