Blacksmiths Public School vs Caves Beach Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blacksmiths Public School
Blacksmiths · Government primary · K-6
103 students · ICSEA 1004
Caves Beach Public School
Caves Beach · Government primary · K-6
349 students · ICSEA 1019
| Measure | Blacksmiths Public School Blacksmiths NSW | Caves Beach Public School Caves Beach NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #877 of 1,619 | #973 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2679 of 4,908 | #3022 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 103 | 349 |
| Girls / boys | 59 / 44 | 170 / 179 |
| Foundation intake | 16 | 36 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1004 | 1019 |
| ICSEA percentile | 48th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 16.9 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.1 | 22.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.7 | 6.0 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 11% |
| Suburb | Blacksmiths 2281 | Caves Beach 2281 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | blacksmith-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | cavesbeach-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Blacksmiths Public School scores higher on the Success Index (50.0 vs 45.8).
- •Caves Beach Public School has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 1004), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caves Beach Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.5 vs 16.9).
- •Caves Beach Public School is the larger school with 349 students compared with 103.
- •Blacksmiths Public School has grown faster over five years (8% vs -14%).
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 Blacksmiths Public School better than Caves Beach Public School?
On the Success Index, Blacksmiths Public School ranks higher (50.0 vs 45.8 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 Blacksmiths Public School and Caves Beach Public School?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Blacksmiths and Caves Beach in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blacksmiths Public School has 16.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Caves Beach Public School has 15.5.
How do Blacksmiths Public School and Caves Beach Public School rank in NSW?
Blacksmiths Public School is 877th of 1,619 and Caves Beach Public School is 973rd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.