Al Zahra College vs St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 664 m 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
St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School
Arncliffe · Catholic primary · K-6
292 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Al Zahra College Arncliffe NSW | St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School Arncliffe NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #242 of 314 | #87 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #832 of 1,259 | #329 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 773 | 292 |
| Girls / boys | 416 / 357 | 147 / 145 |
| Foundation intake | 77 | 45 |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +60% | +39% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1032 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 61th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 16.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.2 | 18.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.1 | 4.8 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 78% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Arncliffe 2205 | Arncliffe 2205 |
| Council area | Bayside (NSW) | Bayside (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.azc.nsw.edu.au | stfxarncliffe.syd.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (78.0 vs 41.3).
- •St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1032), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Al Zahra College has fewer students per teacher (15.1 vs 16.0).
- •Al Zahra College is the larger school with 773 students compared with 292.
- •Al Zahra College has grown faster over five years (60% vs 39%).
- •Al Zahra College is a independent school while St Francis Xavier's Catholic 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Al Zahra College better than St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (78.0 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 St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School?
About 664 m 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 St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School has 16.0.
How do Al Zahra College and St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Al Zahra College is 242nd of 314 and St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School is 87th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.