Arcadia Vale Public School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Arcadia Vale Public School
Arcadia Vale · Government primary · K-6
171 students · ICSEA 971
St Joseph's Primary School
Kilaben Bay · Catholic primary · K-6
194 students · ICSEA 1023
| Measure | Arcadia Vale Public School Arcadia Vale NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Kilaben Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1051 of 1,619 | #816 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3291 of 4,908 | #2495 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 171 | 194 |
| Girls / boys | 77 / 94 | 96 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | 19 | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +37% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 971 | 1023 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.3 | 14.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 15% |
| Suburb | Arcadia Vale 2283 | Kilaben Bay 2283 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | arcadiaval-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | kilabenbay.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (52.9 vs 41.9).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1023 vs 971), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Arcadia Vale Public School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.5).
- •St Joseph's Primary School is the larger school with 194 students compared with 171.
- •Arcadia Vale Public School has grown faster over five years (37% vs -6%).
- •Arcadia Vale Public School is a government school while St Joseph'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia Vale Public School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (52.9 vs 41.9 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 Arcadia Vale Public School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Arcadia Vale and Kilaben Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Arcadia Vale Public School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 13.5.
How do Arcadia Vale Public School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Arcadia Vale Public School is 1051st of 1,619 and St Joseph's Primary School is 816th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.