Caves Beach Public School vs Nords Wharf Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 4.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caves Beach Public School
Caves Beach · Government primary · K-6
349 students · ICSEA 1019
Nords Wharf Public School
Nords Wharf · Government primary · K-6
180 students · ICSEA 1023
| Measure | Caves Beach Public School Caves Beach NSW | Nords Wharf Public School Nords Wharf NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #973 of 1,619 | #807 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3022 of 4,908 | #2469 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 349 | 180 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 179 | 86 / 94 |
| Foundation intake | 36 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1023 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 10.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 1.9 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 7% |
| Suburb | Caves Beach 2281 | Nords Wharf 2281 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | cavesbeach-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | nordswharf-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Nords Wharf Public School scores higher on the Success Index (53.3 vs 45.8).
- •Nords Wharf Public School has the higher ICSEA (1023 vs 1019), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caves Beach Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.5 vs 16.8).
- •Caves Beach Public School is the larger school with 349 students compared with 180.
- •Nords Wharf Public School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -14%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Caves Beach Public School better than Nords Wharf Public School?
On the Success Index, Nords Wharf Public School ranks higher (53.3 vs 45.8 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 Caves Beach Public School and Nords Wharf Public School?
About 4.8 km in a straight line, between Caves Beach and Nords Wharf in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caves Beach Public School has 15.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Nords Wharf Public School has 16.8.
How do Caves Beach Public School and Nords Wharf Public School rank in NSW?
Caves Beach Public School is 973rd of 1,619 and Nords Wharf Public School is 807th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.