Ryan Catholic College vs The Willows State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.3 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
The Willows State School
Kirwan · Government primary · Prep-6
876 students · ICSEA 956
| Measure | Ryan Catholic College Kirwan QLD | The Willows State School Kirwan QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 32 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #177 of 275 | #575 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #848 of 1,259 | #3989 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,019 | 876 |
| Girls / boys | 1,040 / 979 | 437 / 439 |
| Foundation intake | 104 | 121 |
| Year 7 cohort | 220 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 180 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 956 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 27th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 38% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 155.5 | 62.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 87.3 | 27.3 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 19% |
| Suburb | Kirwan 4817 | Kirwan 4817 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.ryan.catholic.edu.au | thewillowsss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Ryan Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (40.6 vs 31.9).
- •Ryan Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 956), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ryan Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.1).
- •Ryan Catholic College is the larger school with 2,019 students compared with 876.
- •Ryan Catholic College has grown faster over five years (3% vs -3%).
- •Ryan Catholic College is a catholic school while The Willows 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ryan Catholic College better than The Willows State School?
On the Success Index, Ryan Catholic College ranks higher (40.6 vs 31.9 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 Ryan Catholic College and The Willows State School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Kirwan and Kirwan in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ryan Catholic College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Willows State School has 14.1.
How do Ryan Catholic College and The Willows State School rank in QLD?
Ryan Catholic College is 177th of 275 and The Willows State School is 575th of 804 among combined schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.