St Joseph's School vs St Monica's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's School
Parramatta Park · Catholic primary · Prep-6
348 students · ICSEA 1029
St Monica's College
Cairns · Catholic high school · 7-12
697 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | St Joseph's School Parramatta Park QLD | St Monica's College Cairns QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #348 of 804 | #43 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #2797 of 4,908 | #409 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 348 | 697 |
| Girls / boys | 148 / 200 | 697 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 44 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 123 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 125 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 21.4 | 56.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 24.7 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 10% |
| Suburb | Parramatta Park 4870 | Cairns 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.stjosephscairns.qld.edu.au | www.stmonicas.qld.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Monica's College scores higher on the Success Index (64.7 vs 48.6).
- •St Monica's College has the higher ICSEA (1058 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Monica's College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 16.3).
- •St Monica's College is the larger school with 697 students compared with 348.
- •St Monica's College has grown faster over five years (0% vs -9%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring North Lakes
Frequently asked questions
Is St Joseph's School better than St Monica's College?
On the Success Index, St Monica's College ranks higher (64.7 vs 48.6 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 St Joseph's School and St Monica's College?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Parramatta Park and Cairns in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's School has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Monica's College has 12.3.
How do St Joseph's School and St Monica's College rank in QLD?
St Joseph's School is 348th of 804 and St Monica's College is 43rd of 269 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.