Ryan Catholic College vs St Benedict's Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 3.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ryan Catholic College
Kirwan · Catholic combined · Prep-12
2,019 students · ICSEA 1020
St Benedict's Catholic School
Shaw · Catholic primary · Prep-6
613 students · ICSEA 1014
| Measure | Ryan Catholic College Kirwan QLD | St Benedict's Catholic School Shaw QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #177 of 275 | #303 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #848 of 1,259 | #2538 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,019 | 613 |
| Girls / boys | 1,040 / 979 | 289 / 324 |
| Foundation intake | 104 | 99 |
| Year 7 cohort | 220 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 180 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | +97% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 1014 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 17.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 155.5 | 35.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 87.3 | 18.2 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 9% |
| Suburb | Kirwan 4817 | Shaw 4818 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.ryan.catholic.edu.au | www.stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Benedict's Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (52.3 vs 40.6).
- •Ryan Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 1014), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ryan Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 17.2).
- •Ryan Catholic College is the larger school with 2,019 students compared with 613.
- •St Benedict's Catholic School has grown faster over five years (97% vs 3%).
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 Ryan Catholic College better than St Benedict's Catholic School?
On the Success Index, St Benedict's Catholic School ranks higher (52.3 vs 40.6 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 Ryan Catholic College and St Benedict's Catholic School?
About 3.6 km in a straight line, between Kirwan and Shaw in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ryan Catholic College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Benedict's Catholic School has 17.2.
How do Ryan Catholic College and St Benedict's Catholic School rank in QLD?
Ryan Catholic College is 177th of 275 and St Benedict's Catholic School is 303rd of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.