Cerdon College vs St Margaret Mary's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cerdon College
Merrylands · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,001 students · ICSEA 1041
St Margaret Mary's Primary School
Merrylands · Catholic primary · K-6
574 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | Cerdon College Merrylands NSW | St Margaret Mary's Primary School Merrylands NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #248 of 539 | #660 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #654 of 1,472 | #2012 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,001 | 574 |
| Girls / boys | 1,001 / 0 | 307 / 267 |
| Foundation intake | – | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 168 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 16.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.6 | 34.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 7.2 |
| Language background other than English | 72% | 70% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Merrylands 2160 | Merrylands 2160 |
| Council area | Cumberland | Cumberland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cerdonmerrylands.catholic.edu.au | www.stmmmerrylands.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Margaret Mary's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (59.0 vs 54.0).
- •St Margaret Mary's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1050 vs 1041), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cerdon College has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 16.6).
- •Cerdon College is the larger school with 1,001 students compared with 574.
- •St Margaret Mary's Primary School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -8%).
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 Cerdon College better than St Margaret Mary's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Margaret Mary's Primary School ranks higher (59.0 vs 54.0 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 Cerdon College and St Margaret Mary's Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Merrylands and Merrylands in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cerdon College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Margaret Mary's Primary School has 16.6.
How do Cerdon College and St Margaret Mary's Primary School rank in NSW?
Cerdon College is 248th of 539 and St Margaret Mary's Primary School is 660th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.