Fern Bay Public School vs St Peter's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 5.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fern Bay Public School
Fern Bay · Government primary · K-6
182 students · ICSEA 1002
St Peter's Primary School
Stockton · Catholic primary · K-6
180 students · ICSEA 1053
| Measure | Fern Bay Public School Fern Bay NSW | St Peter's Primary School Stockton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #888 of 1,619 | #561 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2732 of 4,908 | #1731 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 182 | 180 |
| Girls / boys | 93 / 89 | 91 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +72% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1002 | 1053 |
| ICSEA percentile | 48th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 11.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.8 | 3.7 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 12% |
| Suburb | Fern Bay 2295 | Stockton 2295 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | fernbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | stockton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Peter's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (62.2 vs 49.5).
- •St Peter's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1053 vs 1002), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Peter's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.7 vs 18.2).
- •Fern Bay Public School is the larger school with 182 students compared with 180.
- •Fern Bay Public School has grown faster over five years (72% vs 18%).
- •Fern Bay Public School is a government school while St Peter'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fern Bay Public School better than St Peter's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Peter's Primary School ranks higher (62.2 vs 49.5 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 Fern Bay Public School and St Peter's Primary School?
About 5.0 km in a straight line, between Fern Bay and Stockton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fern Bay Public School has 18.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Peter's Primary School has 15.7.
How do Fern Bay Public School and St Peter's Primary School rank in NSW?
Fern Bay Public School is 888th of 1,619 and St Peter's Primary School is 561st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.