Biala Special School vs St Francis Xavier Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 788 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Biala Special School
Ballina · Independent special · U
33 students · ICSEA 898
St Francis Xavier Primary School
Ballina · Catholic primary · K-6
398 students · ICSEA 1045
| Measure | Biala Special School Ballina NSW | St Francis Xavier Primary School Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #680 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #2071 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Special | Primary |
| Year range | U | K-6 |
| Students | 33 | 398 |
| Girls / boys | 11 / 22 | 211 / 187 |
| Foundation intake | – | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +14% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 898 | 1045 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 4.9 | 18.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.3 | 8.4 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 36% | 3% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.biala.org.au | www.balplism.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 898), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Biala Special School has fewer students per teacher (4.9 vs 18.8).
- •St Francis Xavier Primary School is the larger school with 398 students compared with 33.
- •Biala Special School is a independent school while St Francis Xavier 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 Biala Special School better than St Francis Xavier Primary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Biala Special School and St Francis Xavier Primary School?
About 788 m in a straight line, between Ballina and Ballina in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Biala Special School has 4.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier Primary School has 18.8.
How do Biala Special School and St Francis Xavier Primary School rank in NSW?
Biala Special School is unranked and St Francis Xavier Primary School is 680th of 1,619 among special schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.