Caves Beach Public School vs St Patrick's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 788 m 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
St Patrick's Primary School
Swansea · Catholic primary · K-6
165 students · ICSEA 1041
| Measure | Caves Beach Public School Caves Beach NSW | St Patrick's Primary School Swansea NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #973 of 1,619 | #681 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3022 of 4,908 | #2074 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 349 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 179 | 86 / 79 |
| 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% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 1041 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 10.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 9% |
| Suburb | Caves Beach 2281 | Swansea 2281 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cavesbeach-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.swansea.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (58.2 vs 45.8).
- •St Patrick's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1041 vs 1019), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caves Beach Public School is the larger school with 349 students compared with 165.
- •St Patrick's Primary School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -14%).
- •Caves Beach Public School is a government school while St Patrick's Primary School is a catholic 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 Caves Beach Public School better than St Patrick's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's Primary School ranks higher (58.2 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 St Patrick's Primary School?
About 788 m in a straight line, between Caves Beach and Swansea 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 St Patrick's Primary School has 15.3.
How do Caves Beach Public School and St Patrick's Primary School rank in NSW?
Caves Beach Public School is 973rd of 1,619 and St Patrick's Primary School is 681st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.