Holy Spirit Primary School vs Palmerston District Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit Primary School
Nicholls · Catholic primary · K-6
733 students · ICSEA 1085
Palmerston District Primary School
Palmerston · Government primary · K-6
640 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Holy Spirit Primary School Nicholls ACT | Palmerston District Primary School Palmerston ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #57 of 80 | #52 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #1394 of 4,908 | #1272 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 733 | 640 |
| Girls / boys | 359 / 374 | 306 / 334 |
| Foundation intake | 105 | 91 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1085 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 80th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 18.8 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 39.0 | 50.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.2 | 27.3 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Nicholls 2913 | Palmerston 2913 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.holyspirit.act.edu.au | www.palmdps.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Palmerston District Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (67.2 vs 65.8).
- •Holy Spirit Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1085 vs 1077), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Palmerston District Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 18.8).
- •Holy Spirit Primary School is the larger school with 733 students compared with 640.
- •Holy Spirit Primary School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -8%).
- •Holy Spirit Primary School is a catholic school while Palmerston District Primary 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 Holy Spirit Primary School better than Palmerston District Primary School?
On the Success Index, Palmerston District Primary School ranks higher (67.2 vs 65.8 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 Holy Spirit Primary School and Palmerston District Primary School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Nicholls and Palmerston in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit Primary School has 18.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston District Primary School has 12.7.
How do Holy Spirit Primary School and Palmerston District Primary School rank in ACT?
Holy Spirit Primary School is 57th of 80 and Palmerston District Primary School is 52nd of 80 among primary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.