St Benedict's Catholic School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1160 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Benedict's Catholic School
Shaw · Catholic primary · Prep-6
613 students · ICSEA 1014
St Mary's School
Beaudesert · Catholic primary · Prep-6
414 students · ICSEA 1014
| Measure | St Benedict's Catholic School Shaw QLD | St Mary's School Beaudesert QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #303 of 804 | #355 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2538 of 4,908 | #2831 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 613 | 414 |
| Girls / boys | 289 / 324 | 214 / 200 |
| Foundation intake | 99 | 80 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +97% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1014 | 1014 |
| ICSEA percentile | 53th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.6 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.2 | 16.1 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 6% |
| Suburb | Shaw 4818 | Beaudesert 4285 |
| Council area | Townsville | Scenic Rim |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au/ | www.stmarysbeaudesert.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Benedict's Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (52.3 vs 48.2).
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (16.7 vs 17.2).
- •St Benedict's Catholic School is the larger school with 613 students compared with 414.
- •St Benedict's Catholic School has grown faster over five years (97% vs 18%).
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 St Benedict's Catholic School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Benedict's Catholic School ranks higher (52.3 vs 48.2 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 St Benedict's Catholic School and St Mary's School?
About 1160 km in a straight line, between Shaw and Beaudesert in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Benedict's Catholic School has 17.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 16.7.
How do St Benedict's Catholic School and St Mary's School rank in QLD?
St Benedict's Catholic School is 303rd of 804 and St Mary's School is 355th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.