Adamstown Public School vs St Columba's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 743 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Adamstown Public School
Adamstown · Government primary · K-6
439 students · ICSEA 1078
St Columba's Primary School
Adamstown · Catholic primary · K-6
168 students · ICSEA 1107
| Measure | Adamstown Public School Adamstown NSW | St Columba's Primary School Adamstown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #282 of 1,619 | #328 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #951 of 4,908 | #1079 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 439 | 168 |
| Girls / boys | 204 / 235 | 87 / 81 |
| Foundation intake | 64 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +38% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1078 | 1107 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.1 | 10.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 8% |
| Suburb | Adamstown 2289 | Adamstown 2289 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | adamstown-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Adamstown Public School scores higher on the Success Index (70.7 vs 69.3).
- •St Columba's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1107 vs 1078), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (16.8 vs 18.2).
- •Adamstown Public School is the larger school with 439 students compared with 168.
- •Adamstown Public School has grown faster over five years (38% vs -24%).
- •Adamstown Public School is a government school while St Columba's Primary School is a catholic 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Adamstown Public School better than St Columba's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Adamstown Public School ranks higher (70.7 vs 69.3 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 Adamstown Public School and St Columba's Primary School?
About 743 m in a straight line, between Adamstown and Adamstown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Adamstown Public School has 18.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's Primary School has 16.8.
How do Adamstown Public School and St Columba's Primary School rank in NSW?
Adamstown Public School is 282nd of 1,619 and St Columba's Primary School is 328th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.