St Patrick's College Townsville vs Townsville State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Patrick's College Townsville
Townsville · Catholic high school · 7-12
663 students · ICSEA 1024
Townsville State High School
Railway Estate · Government high school · 7-12
841 students · ICSEA 924
| Measure | St Patrick's College Townsville Townsville QLD | Townsville State High School Railway Estate QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 269 | #200 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #248 of 1,472 | #1190 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 663 | 841 |
| Girls / boys | 663 / 0 | 390 / 451 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 122 | 113 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 122 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1024 | 924 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 16th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 61.4 | 77.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.5 | 45.5 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 25% |
| Suburb | Townsville 4810 | Railway Estate 4810 |
| Council area | Townsville | Townsville |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.stpatscollege.qld.edu.au | townsvilleshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's College Townsville scores higher on the Success Index (71.6 vs 29.6).
- •St Patrick's College Townsville has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 924), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Townsville State High School is the larger school with 841 students compared with 663.
- •St Patrick's College Townsville has grown faster over five years (22% vs -5%).
- •St Patrick's College Townsville is a catholic school while Townsville State High 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 State High School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's College Townsville ranks higher (71.6 vs 29.6 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 Patrick's College Townsville and Townsville State High School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Townsville and Railway Estate 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 State High School has 10.9.
How do St Patrick's College Townsville and Townsville State High School rank in QLD?
St Patrick's College Townsville is 19th of 269 and Townsville State High School is 200th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.