Emu Heights Public School vs Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emu Heights Public School
Emu Plains · Government primary · K-6
237 students · ICSEA 1006
Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
Emu Plains · Catholic high school · 7-12
709 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Emu Heights Public School Emu Plains NSW | Penola Catholic College Emu Plains Emu Plains NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 66 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1028 of 1,619 | #155 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #3208 of 4,908 | #392 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 237 | 709 |
| Girls / boys | 121 / 116 | 328 / 381 |
| Foundation intake | 30 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 174 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 58 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1006 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 16.7 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.2 | 61.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.5 | 14.3 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 6% |
| Suburb | Emu Plains 2750 | Emu Plains 2750 |
| Council area | Penrith | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | emuheights-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains scores higher on the Success Index (65.5 vs 43.2).
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 1006), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 16.7).
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains is the larger school with 709 students compared with 237.
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has grown faster over five years (36% vs -19%).
- •Emu Heights Public School is a government school while Penola Catholic College Emu Plains 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 Emu Heights Public School better than Penola Catholic College Emu Plains?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains ranks higher (65.5 vs 43.2 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 Emu Heights Public School and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Emu Plains and Emu Plains in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emu Heights Public School has 16.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has 11.6.
How do Emu Heights Public School and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains rank in NSW?
Emu Heights Public School is 1028th of 1,619 and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains is 155th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.