St Mary's Catholic College vs White Rock State School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Catholic College
Woree · Catholic high school · 7-12
949 students · ICSEA 1023
White Rock State School
White Rock · Government primary · Prep-6
439 students · ICSEA 837
| Measure | St Mary's Catholic College Woree QLD | White Rock State School White Rock QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 53 Top 50% | 17 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #98 of 269 | #781 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #683 of 1,472 | #4859 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 949 | 439 |
| Girls / boys | 518 / 431 | 218 / 221 |
| Foundation intake | – | 59 |
| Year 7 cohort | 158 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 144 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1023 | 837 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 4th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 65% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.2 | 32.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.6 | 23.4 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 51% |
| Suburb | Woree 4868 | White Rock 4868 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.smcc.qld.edu.au | whiterockss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (52.6 vs 17.2).
- •St Mary's Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1023 vs 837), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 13.5).
- •St Mary's Catholic College is the larger school with 949 students compared with 439.
- •St Mary's Catholic College has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -11%).
- •St Mary's Catholic College is a catholic school while White Rock 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 Mary's Catholic College better than White Rock State School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Catholic College ranks higher (52.6 vs 17.2 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 Mary's Catholic College and White Rock State School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Woree and White Rock in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Catholic College has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and White Rock State School has 13.5.
How do St Mary's Catholic College and White Rock State School rank in QLD?
St Mary's Catholic College is 98th of 269 and White Rock State School is 781st of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.