Australian Performing Arts Grammar School vs St Mary Star of the Sea College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 66 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School
Glebe · Independent high school · 7-12
129 students · ICSEA 1103
St Mary Star of the Sea College
Wollongong · Independent high school · 7-12
1,128 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | Australian Performing Arts Grammar School Glebe NSW | St Mary Star of the Sea College Wollongong NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #70 of 539 | #37 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #198 of 1,472 | #106 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 129 | 1,128 |
| Girls / boys | 92 / 37 | 1,128 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 17 | 189 |
| Year 12 cohort | 30 | 181 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 51% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.5 | 91.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.5 | 34.0 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Glebe 2037 | Wollongong 2500 |
| Council area | Sydney | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.apgs.nsw.edu.au/ | www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College scores higher on the Success Index (77.3 vs 73.3).
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1103), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.5).
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College is the larger school with 1,128 students compared with 129.
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College has grown faster over five years (3% vs -7%).
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 Australian Performing Arts Grammar School better than St Mary Star of the Sea College?
On the Success Index, St Mary Star of the Sea College ranks higher (77.3 vs 73.3 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 Australian Performing Arts Grammar School and St Mary Star of the Sea College?
About 66 km in a straight line, between Glebe and Wollongong in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary Star of the Sea College has 12.3.
How do Australian Performing Arts Grammar School and St Mary Star of the Sea College rank in NSW?
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School is 70th of 539 and St Mary Star of the Sea College is 37th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.