Parramatta State School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 412 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Parramatta State School
Parramatta Park · Government primary · Prep-6
482 students · ICSEA 887
St Joseph's School
Parramatta Park · Catholic primary · Prep-6
348 students · ICSEA 1029
| Measure | Parramatta State School Parramatta Park QLD | St Joseph's School Parramatta Park QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #481 of 804 | #348 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3481 of 4,908 | #2797 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 482 | 348 |
| Girls / boys | 234 / 248 | 148 / 200 |
| Foundation intake | 64 | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +42% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 887 | 1029 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 10.4 | 16.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 46.4 | 21.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.4 | 15.3 |
| Language background other than English | 50% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 45% | 12% |
| Suburb | Parramatta Park 4870 | Parramatta Park 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | parramattass.eq.edu.au | www.stjosephscairns.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (48.6 vs 39.2).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 887), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Parramatta State School has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 16.3).
- •Parramatta State School is the larger school with 482 students compared with 348.
- •Parramatta State School has grown faster over five years (42% vs -9%).
- •Parramatta State School is a government school while St Joseph's 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 Parramatta State School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (48.6 vs 39.2 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 Parramatta State School and St Joseph's School?
About 412 m in a straight line, between Parramatta Park and Parramatta Park in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Parramatta State School has 10.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 16.3.
How do Parramatta State School and St Joseph's School rank in QLD?
Parramatta State School is 481st of 804 and St Joseph's School is 348th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.