Boambee Public School vs St John Paul College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Boambee Public School
Boambee · Government primary · K-6
383 students · ICSEA 996
St John Paul College
Coffs Harbour · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,062 students · ICSEA 1044
| Measure | Boambee Public School Boambee NSW | St John Paul College Coffs Harbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1077 of 1,619 | #172 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #3363 of 4,908 | #438 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 383 | 1,062 |
| Girls / boys | 174 / 209 | 552 / 510 |
| Foundation intake | 60 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 205 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 118 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 1044 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 18.0 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 21.3 | 86.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.9 | 37.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 6% |
| Suburb | Boambee 2450 | Coffs Harbour 2450 |
| Council area | Coffs Harbour | Coffs Harbour |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | boambee-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.cofhslism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St John Paul College scores higher on the Success Index (63.1 vs 40.8).
- •St John Paul College has the higher ICSEA (1044 vs 996), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John Paul College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 18.0).
- •St John Paul College is the larger school with 1,062 students compared with 383.
- •St John Paul College has grown faster over five years (5% vs -13%).
- •Boambee Public School is a government 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 Boambee Public School better than St John Paul College?
On the Success Index, St John Paul College ranks higher (63.1 vs 40.8 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 Boambee Public School and St John Paul College?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Boambee and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Boambee Public School has 18.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John Paul College has 12.3.
How do Boambee Public School and St John Paul College rank in NSW?
Boambee Public School is 1077th of 1,619 and St John Paul College is 172nd of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.