Bulli High School vs St Michael's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bulli High School
Bulli · Government high school · 7-12
979 students · ICSEA 1058
St Michael's Catholic Primary School
Thirroul · Catholic primary · K-6
183 students · ICSEA 1130
| Measure | Bulli High School Bulli NSW | St Michael's Catholic Primary School Thirroul NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 50% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #153 of 539 | #76 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #376 of 1,472 | #294 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 979 | 183 |
| Girls / boys | 425 / 554 | 91 / 92 |
| Foundation intake | – | 29 |
| Year 7 cohort | 160 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 115 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1130 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 73.8 | 12.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.2 | 3.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Bulli 2516 | Thirroul 2515 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | bulli-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.smtdow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (78.4 vs 66.1).
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1130 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bulli High School has fewer students per teacher (13.3 vs 14.4).
- •Bulli High School is the larger school with 979 students compared with 183.
- •Bulli High School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -6%).
- •Bulli High School is a government school while St Michael's Catholic Primary School 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 Bulli High School better than St Michael's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Michael's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (78.4 vs 66.1 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 Bulli High School and St Michael's Catholic Primary School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Bulli and Thirroul in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bulli High School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's Catholic Primary School has 14.4.
How do Bulli High School and St Michael's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Bulli High School is 153rd of 539 and St Michael's Catholic Primary School is 76th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.