Forbes Public School vs St Laurence's Parish School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 981 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forbes Public School
Forbes · Government primary · K-6
356 students · ICSEA 940
St Laurence's Parish School
Forbes · Catholic primary · K-6
298 students · ICSEA 992
| Measure | Forbes Public School Forbes NSW | St Laurence's Parish School Forbes NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1219 of 1,619 | #1059 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3790 of 4,908 | #3316 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 356 | 298 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 180 | 158 / 140 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | 45 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 940 | 992 |
| ICSEA percentile | 21th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 18.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 10.7 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 29% | 19% |
| Suburb | Forbes 2871 | Forbes 2871 |
| Council area | Forbes | Forbes |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | forbes-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.forbes.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Laurence's Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (41.6 vs 34.8).
- •St Laurence's Parish School has the higher ICSEA (992 vs 940), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Forbes Public School has fewer students per teacher (14.5 vs 15.8).
- •Forbes Public School is the larger school with 356 students compared with 298.
- •Forbes Public School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -3%).
- •Forbes Public School is a government school while St Laurence's Parish 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.
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 Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is Forbes Public School better than St Laurence's Parish School?
On the Success Index, St Laurence's Parish School ranks higher (41.6 vs 34.8 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 Forbes Public School and St Laurence's Parish School?
About 981 m in a straight line, between Forbes and Forbes in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forbes Public School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Laurence's Parish School has 15.8.
How do Forbes Public School and St Laurence's Parish School rank in NSW?
Forbes Public School is 1219th of 1,619 and St Laurence's Parish School is 1059th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.