Cessnock West Public School vs St Patrick's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 638 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cessnock West Public School
Cessnock · Government primary · K-6
399 students · ICSEA 884
St Patrick's Primary School
Cessnock · Catholic primary · K-6
347 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Cessnock West Public School Cessnock NSW | St Patrick's Primary School Cessnock NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1572 of 1,619 | #1254 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4744 of 4,908 | #3883 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 399 | 347 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 206 | 161 / 186 |
| Foundation intake | 56 | 50 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 884 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 67% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 16.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.3 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.1 | 12.3 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 30% | 18% |
| Suburb | Cessnock 2325 | Cessnock 2325 |
| Council area | Cessnock | Cessnock |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cessnockw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | cessnock.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (33.4 vs 20.6).
- •St Patrick's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 884), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cessnock West Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.2 vs 16.4).
- •Cessnock West Public School is the larger school with 399 students compared with 347.
- •Cessnock West 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.
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 Cessnock West Public School better than St Patrick's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's Primary School ranks higher (33.4 vs 20.6 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 Cessnock West Public School and St Patrick's Primary School?
About 638 m in a straight line, between Cessnock and Cessnock in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cessnock West Public School has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's Primary School has 16.4.
How do Cessnock West Public School and St Patrick's Primary School rank in NSW?
Cessnock West Public School is 1572nd of 1,619 and St Patrick's Primary School is 1254th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.