Bishop Druitt College vs St John Paul College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bishop Druitt College
Coffs Harbour · Independent combined · K-12
1,351 students · ICSEA 1109
St John Paul College
Coffs Harbour · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,062 students · ICSEA 1044
| Measure | Bishop Druitt College Coffs Harbour NSW | St John Paul College Coffs Harbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #88 of 314 | #172 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #258 of 1,259 | #438 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,351 | 1,062 |
| Girls / boys | 683 / 668 | 552 / 510 |
| Foundation intake | 85 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | 205 |
| Year 12 cohort | 121 | 118 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +27% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1109 | 1044 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 48% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 103.1 | 86.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 51.3 | 37.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 6% |
| Suburb | Coffs Harbour 2450 | Coffs Harbour 2450 |
| Council area | Coffs Harbour | Coffs Harbour |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.bdc.nsw.edu.au | www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Bishop Druitt College scores higher on the Success Index (70.2 vs 63.1).
- •Bishop Druitt College has the higher ICSEA (1109 vs 1044), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John Paul College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.1).
- •Bishop Druitt College is the larger school with 1,351 students compared with 1,062.
- •Bishop Druitt College has grown faster over five years (27% vs 5%).
- •Bishop Druitt College is a independent school while St John Paul College 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 Bishop Druitt College better than St John Paul College?
On the Success Index, Bishop Druitt College ranks higher (70.2 vs 63.1 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 Bishop Druitt College and St John Paul College?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Coffs Harbour and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bishop Druitt College has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John Paul College has 12.3.
How do Bishop Druitt College and St John Paul College rank in NSW?
Bishop Druitt College is 88th of 314 and St John Paul College is 172nd of 539 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.