Al Zahra College vs Athelstane Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Al Zahra College
Arncliffe · Independent combined · K-12
773 students · ICSEA 1032
Athelstane Public School
Arncliffe · Government primary · K-6
277 students · ICSEA 1003
| Measure | Al Zahra College Arncliffe NSW | Athelstane Public School Arncliffe NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #242 of 314 | #791 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #832 of 1,259 | #2423 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 773 | 277 |
| Girls / boys | 416 / 357 | 136 / 141 |
| Foundation intake | 77 | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +60% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1032 | 1003 |
| ICSEA percentile | 61th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 38% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 10.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.2 | 26.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.1 | 6.6 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 93% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Arncliffe 2205 | Arncliffe 2205 |
| Council area | Bayside (NSW) | Bayside (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.azc.nsw.edu.au | athelstane-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Athelstane Public School scores higher on the Success Index (53.8 vs 41.3).
- •Al Zahra College has the higher ICSEA (1032 vs 1003), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Athelstane Public School has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 15.1).
- •Al Zahra College is the larger school with 773 students compared with 277.
- •Al Zahra College has grown faster over five years (60% vs -18%).
- •Al Zahra College is a independent school while Athelstane Public 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 Al Zahra College better than Athelstane Public School?
On the Success Index, Athelstane Public School ranks higher (53.8 vs 41.3 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 Al Zahra College and Athelstane Public School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Arncliffe and Arncliffe in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Al Zahra College has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Athelstane Public School has 10.6.
How do Al Zahra College and Athelstane Public School rank in NSW?
Al Zahra College is 242nd of 314 and Athelstane Public School is 791st of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.