Catherine McAuley Catholic College vs Salt Ash Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 4.6 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
Salt Ash Public School
Salt Ash · Government primary · K-6
142 students · ICSEA 904
| Measure | Catherine McAuley Catholic College Medowie NSW | Salt Ash Public School Salt Ash NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #212 of 539 | #1521 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #537 of 1,472 | #4614 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 884 | 142 |
| Girls / boys | 436 / 448 | 69 / 73 |
| Foundation intake | – | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | 178 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 73 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +54% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 904 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 12th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 60% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 16.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 77.2 | 8.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.0 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 32% |
| Suburb | Medowie 2318 | Salt Ash 2318 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.cmc.vic.edu.au | saltash-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (59.0 vs 23.2).
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 904), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 16.7).
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College is the larger school with 884 students compared with 142.
- •Catherine McAuley Catholic College is a catholic school while Salt Ash Public School is a government 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 Catherine McAuley Catholic College better than Salt Ash Public School?
On the Success Index, Catherine McAuley Catholic College ranks higher (59.0 vs 23.2 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 Salt Ash Public School?
About 4.6 km in a straight line, between Medowie and Salt Ash 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 Salt Ash Public School has 16.7.
How do Catherine McAuley Catholic College and Salt Ash Public School rank in NSW?
Catherine McAuley Catholic College is 212th of 539 and Salt Ash Public School is 1521st of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.