Catherine McAuley Catholic College vs O'Connor Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 251 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Catherine McAuley Catholic College
Medowie · Catholic high school · 7-12
884 students · ICSEA 1019
O'Connor Catholic College
Armidale · Catholic high school · 7-12
511 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | Catherine McAuley Catholic College Medowie NSW | O'Connor Catholic College Armidale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #212 of 539 | #229 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #537 of 1,472 | #589 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 884 | 511 |
| Girls / boys | 436 / 448 | 239 / 272 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 178 | 108 |
| Year 12 cohort | 73 | 59 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 77.2 | 46.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.0 | 19.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 9% |
| Suburb | Medowie 2318 | Armidale 2350 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Armidale |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.cmc.vic.edu.au | oconnor.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (59.0 vs 56.6).
- •O'Connor Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 1019), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •O'Connor Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 11.5).
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College is the larger school with 884 students compared with 511.
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 Catherine McAuley Catholic College better than O'Connor Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley Catholic College ranks higher (59.0 vs 56.6 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 Catherine McAuley Catholic College and O'Connor Catholic College?
About 251 km in a straight line, between Medowie and Armidale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley Catholic College has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and O'Connor Catholic College has 10.9.
How do Catherine McAuley Catholic College and O'Connor Catholic College rank in NSW?
Catherine McAuley Catholic College is 212th of 539 and O'Connor Catholic College is 229th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.