St Mary's Catholic Primary School vs Thabeban State School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 789 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Bundaberg · Catholic primary · Prep-6
490 students · ICSEA 995
Thabeban State School
Thabeban · Government primary · Prep-6
95 students · ICSEA 858
| Measure | St Mary's Catholic Primary School Bundaberg QLD | Thabeban State School Thabeban QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #460 of 804 | #717 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #3383 of 4,908 | #4639 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 490 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 246 / 244 | 54 / 41 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +38% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 995 | 858 |
| ICSEA percentile | 44th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 75% |
| Students per teacher | 17.1 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.6 | 7.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.7 | 16.5 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 37% |
| Suburb | Bundaberg 4670 | Thabeban 4670 |
| Council area | Bundaberg | Bundaberg |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stmarysbundaberg.qld.edu.au | thabebanss.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (40.6 vs 22.8).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (995 vs 858), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thabeban State School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 17.1).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 490 students compared with 95.
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (38% vs -21%).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Thabeban 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 Primary School better than Thabeban State School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (40.6 vs 22.8 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 Primary School and Thabeban State School?
About 789 m in a straight line, between Bundaberg and Thabeban in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 17.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thabeban State School has 12.3.
How do St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Thabeban State School rank in QLD?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School is 460th of 804 and Thabeban State School is 717th of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.