Sandy Strait State School vs Star of the Sea Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 697 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sandy Strait State School
Urangan · Government primary · Prep-6
706 students · ICSEA 965
Star of the Sea Catholic School
Torquay · Catholic primary · Prep-6
388 students · ICSEA 1010
| Measure | Sandy Strait State School Urangan QLD | Star of the Sea Catholic School Torquay QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #529 of 804 | #433 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3755 of 4,908 | #3225 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 706 | 388 |
| Girls / boys | 314 / 392 | 169 / 219 |
| Foundation intake | 85 | 60 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 965 | 1010 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 52th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 41% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 15.4 | 18.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 45.9 | 21.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.1 | 15.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 13% |
| Suburb | Urangan 4655 | Torquay 4655 |
| Council area | Fraser Coast | Fraser Coast |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | sandystraitss.eq.edu.au | www.starofthesea.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Star of the Sea Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (43.0 vs 35.2).
- •Star of the Sea Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1010 vs 965), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sandy Strait State School has fewer students per teacher (15.4 vs 18.2).
- •Sandy Strait State School is the larger school with 706 students compared with 388.
- •Star of the Sea Catholic School has grown faster over five years (13% vs -1%).
- •Sandy Strait State School is a government school while Star of the Sea Catholic 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 Sandy Strait State School better than Star of the Sea Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Star of the Sea Catholic School ranks higher (43.0 vs 35.2 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 Sandy Strait State School and Star of the Sea Catholic School?
About 697 m in a straight line, between Urangan and Torquay in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sandy Strait State School has 15.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Star of the Sea Catholic School has 18.2.
How do Sandy Strait State School and Star of the Sea Catholic School rank in QLD?
Sandy Strait State School is 529th of 804 and Star of the Sea Catholic School is 433rd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.