Dawson Public School vs Whalan Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dawson Public School
Dharruk · Government primary · P-6
293 students · ICSEA 898
Whalan Public School
Whalan · Government primary · P-6
340 students · ICSEA 870
| Measure | Dawson Public School Dharruk NSW | Whalan Public School Whalan NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1396 of 1,619 | #1478 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4273 of 4,908 | #4501 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | P-6 | P-6 |
| Students | 293 | 340 |
| Girls / boys | 152 / 141 | 156 / 184 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 55 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 898 | 870 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 66% | 65% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.2 | 25.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.9 | 7.7 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 38% |
| Suburb | Dharruk 2770 | Whalan 2770 |
| Council area | Blacktown | Blacktown |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | dawson-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | whalan-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Dawson Public School scores higher on the Success Index (28.0 vs 25.0).
- •Dawson Public School has the higher ICSEA (898 vs 870), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Whalan Public School is the larger school with 340 students compared with 293.
- •Whalan Public School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -4%).
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 Mount Druitt
Frequently asked questions
Is Dawson Public School better than Whalan Public School?
On the Success Index, Dawson Public School ranks higher (28.0 vs 25.0 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 Dawson Public School and Whalan Public School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Dharruk and Whalan in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dawson Public School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Whalan Public School has 13.5.
How do Dawson Public School and Whalan Public School rank in NSW?
Dawson Public School is 1396th of 1,619 and Whalan Public School is 1478th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.