Aquinas Catholic College vs Tharawal Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aquinas Catholic College
Menai · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,140 students · ICSEA 1082
Tharawal Public School
Menai · Government primary · K-6
328 students · ICSEA 1085
| Measure | Aquinas Catholic College Menai NSW | Tharawal Public School Menai NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #86 of 539 | #567 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #235 of 1,472 | #1743 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,140 | 328 |
| Girls / boys | 515 / 625 | 135 / 193 |
| Foundation intake | – | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 163 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1085 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 17.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 82.4 | 18.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 2.8 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Menai 2234 | Menai 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | aquinasmenai.syd.catholic.edu.au | tharawal-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Aquinas Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.0 vs 62.1).
- •Tharawal Public School has the higher ICSEA (1085 vs 1082), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Aquinas Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 17.5).
- •Aquinas Catholic College is the larger school with 1,140 students compared with 328.
- •Aquinas Catholic College has grown faster over five years (6% vs -13%).
- •Aquinas Catholic College is a catholic school while Tharawal 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.
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 Panania
Frequently asked questions
Is Aquinas Catholic College better than Tharawal Public School?
On the Success Index, Aquinas Catholic College ranks higher (72.0 vs 62.1 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 Aquinas Catholic College and Tharawal Public School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Menai and Menai in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aquinas Catholic College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tharawal Public School has 17.5.
How do Aquinas Catholic College and Tharawal Public School rank in NSW?
Aquinas Catholic College is 86th of 539 and Tharawal Public School is 567th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.