Dapto High School vs St John's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dapto High School
Dapto · Government high school · 7-12
988 students · ICSEA 968
St John's Catholic Primary School
Dapto · Catholic primary · K-6
623 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | Dapto High School Dapto NSW | St John's Catholic Primary School Dapto NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #363 of 539 | #676 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1020 of 1,472 | #2061 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 988 | 623 |
| Girls / boys | 513 / 475 | 317 / 306 |
| Foundation intake | – | 94 |
| Year 7 cohort | 185 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 116 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 968 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 33th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 44% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.1 | 39.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.8 | 16.6 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 6% |
| Suburb | Dapto 2530 | Dapto 2530 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | dapto-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.sjddow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (58.4 vs 37.1).
- •St John's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 968), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dapto High School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 15.7).
- •Dapto High School is the larger school with 988 students compared with 623.
- •Dapto High School is a government school while St John's Catholic 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 Campbelltown
Frequently asked questions
Is Dapto High School better than St John's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St John's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (58.4 vs 37.1 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 Dapto High School and St John's Catholic Primary School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Dapto and Dapto in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dapto High School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's Catholic Primary School has 15.7.
How do Dapto High School and St John's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Dapto High School is 363rd of 539 and St John's Catholic Primary School is 676th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.