The BUSY School vs Trinity Bay State High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Queensland, 659 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
The BUSY School
Cairns · Independent high school · 11-12
1,780 students · ICSEA 975
Trinity Bay State High School
Manunda · Government high school · 7-12
1,784 students · ICSEA 908
| Measure | The BUSY School Cairns QLD | Trinity Bay State High School Manunda QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #146 of 269 | #227 of 269 |
| National rank (type) | #923 of 1,472 | #1290 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,780 | 1,784 |
| Girls / boys | 926 / 854 | 795 / 989 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 262 |
| Year 12 cohort | 800 | 268 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3323% | 0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 975 | 908 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 12th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 36% | 47% |
| Students per teacher | 20.9 | 12.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.1 | 143.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 127.1 | 75.0 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 54% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 34% |
| Suburb | Cairns 4870 | Manunda 4870 |
| Council area | Cairns | Cairns |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | busyschools.qld.edu.au/ | trinitybayshs.eq.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The BUSY School scores higher on the Success Index (41.2 vs 25.7).
- •The BUSY School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Trinity Bay State High School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 20.9).
- •Trinity Bay State High School is the larger school with 1,784 students compared with 1,780.
- •The BUSY School has grown faster over five years (3323% vs 0%).
- •The BUSY School is a independent school while Trinity Bay 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 The BUSY School better than Trinity Bay State High School?
On the Success Index, The BUSY School ranks higher (41.2 vs 25.7 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 The BUSY School and Trinity Bay State High School?
About 659 m in a straight line, between Cairns and Manunda in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
The BUSY School has 20.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Trinity Bay State High School has 12.4.
How do The BUSY School and Trinity Bay State High School rank in QLD?
The BUSY School is 146th of 269 and Trinity Bay State High School is 227th of 269 among secondary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.