Newman Catholic College vs Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 791 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newman Catholic College
Smithfield · Catholic high school · 7-10
625 students · ICSEA 1046
Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School
Smithfield · Government high school · 7-12
1,135 students · ICSEA 983
| Measure | Newman Catholic College Smithfield QLD | Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School Smithfield QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 269 | #133 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #275 of 1,472 | #853 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 625 | 1,135 |
| Girls / boys | 299 / 326 | 524 / 611 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 166 | 180 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 160 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1046 | 983 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 39th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 57.4 | 99.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.9 | 43.2 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 13% |
| Suburb | Smithfield 4878 | Smithfield 4878 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.newman.qld.edu.au | smithfieldshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newman Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (70.6 vs 44.3).
- •Newman Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 983), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newman Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 11.4).
- •Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is the larger school with 1,135 students compared with 625.
- •Newman Catholic College is a catholic school while Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is a government 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 Newman Catholic College better than Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School?
On the Success Index, Newman Catholic College ranks higher (70.6 vs 44.3 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 Newman Catholic College and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School?
About 791 m in a straight line, between Smithfield and Smithfield in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newman Catholic College has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School has 11.4.
How do Newman Catholic College and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School rank in QLD?
Newman Catholic College is 24th of 269 and Tropical North Learning Academy - Smithfield State High School is 133rd of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.