Bonnells Bay Public School vs Dora Creek Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bonnells Bay Public School
Bonnells Bay · Government primary · K-6
376 students · ICSEA 925
Dora Creek Public School
Dora Creek · Government primary · K-6
139 students · ICSEA 939
| Measure | Bonnells Bay Public School Bonnells Bay NSW | Dora Creek Public School Dora Creek NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1564 of 1,619 | #1425 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4723 of 4,908 | #4358 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 376 | 139 |
| Girls / boys | 173 / 203 | 71 / 68 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 925 | 939 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 55% | 56% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 17.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 7.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 1.7 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 23% | 12% |
| Suburb | Bonnells Bay 2264 | Dora Creek 2264 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | bonnellbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | doracreek-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Dora Creek Public School scores higher on the Success Index (26.9 vs 21.1).
- •Dora Creek Public School has the higher ICSEA (939 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bonnells Bay Public School has fewer students per teacher (14.8 vs 17.6).
- •Bonnells Bay Public School is the larger school with 376 students compared with 139.
- •Dora Creek Public School has grown faster over five years (19% vs -13%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Bonnells Bay Public School better than Dora Creek Public School?
On the Success Index, Dora Creek Public School ranks higher (26.9 vs 21.1 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 Bonnells Bay Public School and Dora Creek Public School?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Bonnells Bay and Dora Creek in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bonnells Bay Public School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dora Creek Public School has 17.6.
How do Bonnells Bay Public School and Dora Creek Public School rank in NSW?
Bonnells Bay Public School is 1564th of 1,619 and Dora Creek Public School is 1425th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.