Flinders Public School vs Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Flinders Public School
Flinders · Government primary · K-6
518 students · ICSEA 1004
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
Shellharbour · Catholic primary · K-6
405 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | Flinders Public School Flinders NSW | Stella Maris Catholic Primary School Shellharbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1036 of 1,619 | #511 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3229 of 4,908 | #1555 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 518 | 405 |
| Girls / boys | 237 / 281 | 214 / 191 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 57 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1004 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 16.9 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 26.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 8% |
| Suburb | Flinders 2529 | Shellharbour 2529 |
| Council area | Shellharbour | Shellharbour |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | flinders-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.smsdow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (64.0 vs 42.9).
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1050 vs 1004), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.5 vs 16.9).
- •Flinders Public School is the larger school with 518 students compared with 405.
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (13% vs -8%).
- •Flinders Public School is a government school while Stella Maris 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Flinders Public School better than Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Stella Maris Catholic Primary School ranks higher (64.0 vs 42.9 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 Flinders Public School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Flinders and Shellharbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Flinders Public School has 16.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has 15.5.
How do Flinders Public School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Flinders Public School is 1036th of 1,619 and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School is 511th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.