Birchgrove Public School vs Marist Sisters' College Woolwich
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Birchgrove Public School
Balmain · Government primary · P-6
214 students · ICSEA 1132
Marist Sisters' College Woolwich
Woolwich · Catholic high school · 7-12
937 students · ICSEA 1101
| Measure | Birchgrove Public School Balmain NSW | Marist Sisters' College Woolwich Woolwich NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #167 of 1,619 | #133 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #605 of 4,908 | #328 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | P-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 214 | 937 |
| Girls / boys | 118 / 96 | 937 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 177 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 146 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -45% | -7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1132 | 1101 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 69.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.7 | 21.3 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 67% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Woolwich 2110 |
| Council area | Inner West | Hunters Hill |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | birchgrove-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | mscwoolwich.syd.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Birchgrove Public School scores higher on the Success Index (74.2 vs 68.0).
- •Birchgrove Public School has the higher ICSEA (1132 vs 1101), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Marist Sisters' College Woolwich is the larger school with 937 students compared with 214.
- •Marist Sisters' College Woolwich has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -45%).
- •Birchgrove Public School is a government school while Marist Sisters' College Woolwich 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 Birchgrove Public School better than Marist Sisters' College Woolwich?
On the Success Index, Birchgrove Public School ranks higher (74.2 vs 68.0 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 Birchgrove Public School and Marist Sisters' College Woolwich?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Balmain and Woolwich in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Birchgrove Public School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marist Sisters' College Woolwich has 13.4.
How do Birchgrove Public School and Marist Sisters' College Woolwich rank in NSW?
Birchgrove Public School is 167th of 1,619 and Marist Sisters' College Woolwich is 133rd of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.