Ben Venue Public School vs PLC Armidale
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 920 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ben Venue Public School
Armidale · Government primary · K-6
509 students · ICSEA 1008
PLC Armidale
Armidale · Independent combined · K-12
226 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Ben Venue Public School Armidale NSW | PLC Armidale Armidale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #982 of 1,619 | #129 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #3057 of 4,908 | #415 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 509 | 226 |
| Girls / boys | 240 / 269 | 226 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 70 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 26 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 26 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1008 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 17.9 | 8.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.4 | 27.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 16.2 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 4% |
| Suburb | Armidale 2350 | Armidale 2350 |
| Council area | Armidale | Armidale |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | benvenue-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •PLC Armidale scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 45.3).
- •PLC Armidale has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1008), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •PLC Armidale has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 17.9).
- •Ben Venue Public School is the larger school with 509 students compared with 226.
- •PLC Armidale has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -10%).
- •Ben Venue Public School is a government school while PLC Armidale is an independent 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 Ben Venue Public School better than PLC Armidale?
On the Success Index, PLC Armidale ranks higher (62.5 vs 45.3 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 Ben Venue Public School and PLC Armidale?
About 920 m in a straight line, between Armidale and Armidale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ben Venue Public School has 17.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and PLC Armidale has 8.3.
How do Ben Venue Public School and PLC Armidale rank in NSW?
Ben Venue Public School is 982nd of 1,619 and PLC Armidale is 129th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.