Catherine McAuley Westmead vs St Columba's Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 40 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Catherine McAuley Westmead
Westmead · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,210 students · ICSEA 1087
St Columba's Catholic College
Springwood · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,112 students · ICSEA 1088
| Measure | Catherine McAuley Westmead Westmead NSW | St Columba's Catholic College Springwood NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #135 of 539 | #85 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #331 of 1,472 | #234 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,210 | 1,112 |
| Girls / boys | 1,210 / 0 | 554 / 558 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 207 | 209 |
| Year 12 cohort | 200 | 166 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1087 | 1088 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 34% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 83.4 | 85.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.3 | 23.2 |
| Language background other than English | 62% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Westmead 2145 | Springwood 2777 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Blue Mountains |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au | www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba's Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.1 vs 67.9).
- •St Columba's Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1088 vs 1087), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.5).
- •Catherine McAuley Westmead is the larger school with 1,210 students compared with 1,112.
- •St Columba's Catholic College has grown faster over five years (13% vs 0%).
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 Westmead better than St Columba's Catholic College?
On the Success Index, St Columba's Catholic College ranks higher (72.1 vs 67.9 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 Westmead and St Columba's Catholic College?
About 40 km in a straight line, between Westmead and Springwood in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley Westmead has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's Catholic College has 13.0.
How do Catherine McAuley Westmead and St Columba's Catholic College rank in NSW?
Catherine McAuley Westmead is 135th of 539 and St Columba's Catholic College is 85th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.