Mount Isa School of the Air vs Sunset State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mount Isa School of the Air
Pioneer · Government combined · Prep-10
175 students · ICSEA 1009
Sunset State School
Sunset · Government primary · Prep-6
257 students · ICSEA 727
| Measure | Mount Isa School of the Air Pioneer QLD | Sunset State School Sunset QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 53 Top 50% | 13 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #112 of 275 | #804 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #582 of 1,259 | #4905 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 175 | 257 |
| Girls / boys | 83 / 92 | 136 / 121 |
| Foundation intake | 13 | 34 |
| Year 7 cohort | 6 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 727 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 2th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 81% |
| Students per teacher | 7.1 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 18.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 12.2 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 81% |
| Suburb | Pioneer 4825 | Sunset 4825 |
| Council area | Mount Isa | Mount Isa |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | mtisasde.eq.edu.au | sunsetss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mount Isa School of the Air scores higher on the Success Index (53.3 vs 13.2).
- •Mount Isa School of the Air has the higher ICSEA (1009 vs 727), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Isa School of the Air has fewer students per teacher (7.1 vs 14.1).
- •Sunset State School is the larger school with 257 students compared with 175.
- •Mount Isa School of the Air has grown faster over five years (21% vs -5%).
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 Mount Isa School of the Air better than Sunset State School?
On the Success Index, Mount Isa School of the Air ranks higher (53.3 vs 13.2 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 Mount Isa School of the Air and Sunset State School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Pioneer and Sunset in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mount Isa School of the Air has 7.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunset State School has 14.1.
How do Mount Isa School of the Air and Sunset State School rank in QLD?
Mount Isa School of the Air is 112th of 275 and Sunset State School is 804th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.