Newman Catholic College vs Yorkeys Knob State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.3 km 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
Yorkeys Knob State School
Yorkeys Knob · Government primary · Prep-6
321 students · ICSEA 998
| Measure | Newman Catholic College Smithfield QLD | Yorkeys Knob State School Yorkeys Knob QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 269 | #408 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #275 of 1,472 | #3094 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 625 | 321 |
| Girls / boys | 299 / 326 | 158 / 163 |
| Foundation intake | – | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | 166 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1046 | 998 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 57.4 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.9 | 10.3 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 16% |
| Suburb | Smithfield 4878 | Yorkeys Knob 4878 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.newman.qld.edu.au | yorkeysknobss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newman Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (70.6 vs 44.9).
- •Newman Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 998), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newman Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 15.1).
- •Newman Catholic College is the larger school with 625 students compared with 321.
- •Newman Catholic College is a catholic school while Yorkeys Knob State 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.
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 North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is Newman Catholic College better than Yorkeys Knob State School?
On the Success Index, Newman Catholic College ranks higher (70.6 vs 44.9 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 Yorkeys Knob State School?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Smithfield and Yorkeys Knob in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newman Catholic College has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Yorkeys Knob State School has 15.1.
How do Newman Catholic College and Yorkeys Knob State School rank in QLD?
Newman Catholic College is 24th of 269 and Yorkeys Knob State School is 408th of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.