Caves Beach Public School vs Pelican Flat Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.3 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
Pelican Flat Public School
Pelican · Government primary · K-6
94 students · ICSEA 981
| Measure | Caves Beach Public School Caves Beach NSW | Pelican Flat Public School Pelican NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #973 of 1,619 | #1040 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3022 of 4,908 | #3242 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 349 | 94 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 179 | 43 / 51 |
| Foundation intake | 36 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +29% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 981 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 7.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 1.4 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 13% |
| Suburb | Caves Beach 2281 | Pelican 2281 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cavesbeach-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | pelicanflt-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Caves Beach Public School scores higher on the Success Index (45.8 vs 42.6).
- •Caves Beach Public School has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 981), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pelican Flat Public School has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 15.5).
- •Caves Beach Public School is the larger school with 349 students compared with 94.
- •Pelican Flat Public School has grown faster over five years (29% vs -14%).
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 Caves Beach Public School better than Pelican Flat Public School?
On the Success Index, Caves Beach Public School ranks higher (45.8 vs 42.6 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 Caves Beach Public School and Pelican Flat Public School?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Caves Beach and Pelican 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 Pelican Flat Public School has 13.1.
How do Caves Beach Public School and Pelican Flat Public School rank in NSW?
Caves Beach Public School is 973rd of 1,619 and Pelican Flat Public School is 1040th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.