Pialba State School vs Xavier Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pialba State School
Pialba · Government primary · Prep-6
367 students · ICSEA 901
Xavier Catholic College
Hervey Bay · Catholic combined · Prep-12
1,322 students · ICSEA 1021
| Measure | Pialba State School Pialba QLD | Xavier Catholic College Hervey Bay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #630 of 804 | #192 of 275 |
| National rank (type) | #4277 of 4,908 | #906 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 367 | 1,322 |
| Girls / boys | 164 / 203 | 657 / 665 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 74 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 137 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 89 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 901 | 1021 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 64% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.7 | 83.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.8 | 44.4 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 26% | 9% |
| Suburb | Pialba 4655 | Hervey Bay 4655 |
| Council area | Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | pialbass.eq.edu.au | www.xavier.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Xavier Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (37.8 vs 28.0).
- •Xavier Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1021 vs 901), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pialba State School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 15.8).
- •Xavier Catholic College is the larger school with 1,322 students compared with 367.
- •Xavier Catholic College has grown faster over five years (17% vs -10%).
- •Pialba State School is a government school while Xavier Catholic College 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 Pialba State School better than Xavier Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Xavier Catholic College ranks higher (37.8 vs 28.0 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 Pialba State School and Xavier Catholic College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Pialba and Hervey Bay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pialba State School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Xavier Catholic College has 15.8.
How do Pialba State School and Xavier Catholic College rank in QLD?
Pialba State School is 630th of 804 and Xavier Catholic College is 192nd of 275 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.