Carrington Public School vs Fern Bay Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 5.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carrington Public School
Carrington · Government primary · K-6
110 students · ICSEA 996
Fern Bay Public School
Fern Bay · Government primary · K-6
182 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Carrington Public School Carrington NSW | Fern Bay Public School Fern Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #983 of 1,619 | #888 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3058 of 4,908 | #2732 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 110 | 182 |
| Girls / boys | 46 / 64 | 93 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 14 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +72% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 17.5 | 18.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.3 | 10.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.6 | 1.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 22% | 15% |
| Suburb | Carrington 2294 | Fern Bay 2295 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | carrington-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | fernbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Fern Bay Public School scores higher on the Success Index (49.5 vs 45.3).
- •Fern Bay Public School has the higher ICSEA (1002 vs 996), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Carrington Public School has fewer students per teacher (17.5 vs 18.2).
- •Fern Bay Public School is the larger school with 182 students compared with 110.
- •Fern Bay Public School has grown faster over five years (72% vs -8%).
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 Carrington Public School better than Fern Bay Public School?
On the Success Index, Fern Bay Public School ranks higher (49.5 vs 45.3 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 Carrington Public School and Fern Bay Public School?
About 5.3 km in a straight line, between Carrington and Fern Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carrington Public School has 17.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fern Bay Public School has 18.2.
How do Carrington Public School and Fern Bay Public School rank in NSW?
Carrington Public School is 983rd of 1,619 and Fern Bay Public School is 888th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.