St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand vs Townsville South State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand
North Ward · Catholic primary · Prep-6
355 students · ICSEA 1100
Townsville South State School
South Townsville · Government primary · Prep-6
95 students · ICSEA 909
| Measure | St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand North Ward QLD | Townsville South State School South Townsville QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 804 | #671 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #729 of 4,908 | #4428 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 355 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 179 / 176 | 32 / 63 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1100 | 909 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 13th |
| Top SEA quarter | 42% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.5 | 7.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.3 | 5.0 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 32% |
| Suburb | North Ward 4810 | South Townsville 4810 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.sjnwtsv.catholic.edu.au | townsvillesouthss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand scores higher on the Success Index (73.1 vs 26.1).
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has the higher ICSEA (1100 vs 909), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Townsville South State School has fewer students per teacher (12.8 vs 13.4).
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand is the larger school with 355 students compared with 95.
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -13%).
- •St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand is a catholic school while Townsville South 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 St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand better than Townsville South State School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand ranks higher (73.1 vs 26.1 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 Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand and Townsville South State School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between North Ward and South Townsville in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Townsville South State School has 12.8.
How do St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand and Townsville South State School rank in QLD?
St Joseph's Catholic School, The Strand is 62nd of 804 and Townsville South State School is 671st of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.