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St Patrick's College Townsville vs Townsville South State School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Queensland, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureSt Patrick's College Townsville
Townsville QLD
Townsville South State School
South Townsville QLD
Success Index
72
Top 25%
26
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#19 of 269#671 of 804
National rank (type)#248 of 1,472#4428 of 4,908
SectorCatholicGovernment
TypeSecondaryPrimary
Year range7-12Prep-6
Students66395
Girls / boys663 / 032 / 63
Foundation intake–10
Year 7 cohort122–
Year 12 cohort93–
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+22%-13%
ICSEA
Average 1000
1024909
ICSEA percentile57th13th
Top SEA quarter26%6%
Bottom SEA quarter17%50%
Students per teacher10.812.8
Teaching staff (FTE)61.47.4
Non-teaching staff (FTE)34.55.0
Language background other than English23%19%
Indigenous students17%32%
SuburbTownsville 4810South Townsville 4810
Council areaTownsvilleTownsville
RemotenessOuter RegionalOuter Regional
Websitewww.stpatscollege.qld.edu.autownsvillesouthss.eq.edu.au

The verdict

  • •St Patrick's College Townsville scores higher on the Success Index (71.6 vs 26.1).
  • •St Patrick's College Townsville has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 909), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •St Patrick's College Townsville has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 12.8).
  • •St Patrick's College Townsville is the larger school with 663 students compared with 95.
  • •St Patrick's College Townsville has grown faster over five years (22% vs -13%).
  • •St Patrick's College Townsville 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 Patrick's College Townsville better than Townsville South State School?

On the Success Index, St Patrick's College Townsville ranks higher (71.6 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 Patrick's College Townsville and Townsville South State School?

About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Townsville and South Townsville in Queensland.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

St Patrick's College Townsville has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Townsville South State School has 12.8.

How do St Patrick's College Townsville and Townsville South State School rank in QLD?

St Patrick's College Townsville is 19th of 269 and Townsville South State School is 671st of 804 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.