Fairvale Public School vs Pal Buddhist School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fairvale Public School
Fairfield · Government primary · K-6
503 students · ICSEA 919
Pal Buddhist School
Canley Vale · Independent combined · K-12
109 students · ICSEA 1032
| Measure | Fairvale Public School Fairfield NSW | Pal Buddhist School Canley Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1526 of 1,619 | #173 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4626 of 4,908 | #557 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 503 | 109 |
| Girls / boys | 268 / 235 | 56 / 53 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 7 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 8 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 919 | 1032 |
| ICSEA percentile | 15th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 63% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 5.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.1 | 19.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.8 | 12.8 |
| Language background other than English | 92% | 93% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Fairfield 2165 | Canley Vale 2166 |
| Council area | Fairfield | Fairfield |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | fairvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | pal.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Pal Buddhist School scores higher on the Success Index (54.4 vs 23.0).
- •Pal Buddhist School has the higher ICSEA (1032 vs 919), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pal Buddhist School has fewer students per teacher (5.7 vs 15.7).
- •Fairvale Public School is the larger school with 503 students compared with 109.
- •Pal Buddhist School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -23%).
- •Fairvale Public School is a government school while Pal Buddhist School is an independent 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 Fairvale Public School better than Pal Buddhist School?
On the Success Index, Pal Buddhist School ranks higher (54.4 vs 23.0 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 Fairvale Public School and Pal Buddhist School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Fairfield and Canley Vale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fairvale Public School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pal Buddhist School has 5.7.
How do Fairvale Public School and Pal Buddhist School rank in NSW?
Fairvale Public School is 1526th of 1,619 and Pal Buddhist School is 173rd of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.