Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School vs Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 892 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School
Fairy Meadow · Catholic primary · K-6
335 students · ICSEA 1081
Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts
Fairy Meadow · Government high school · 7-12
1,169 students · ICSEA 1075
| Measure | Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School Fairy Meadow NSW | Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts Fairy Meadow NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #536 of 1,619 | #124 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1643 of 4,908 | #312 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 335 | 1,169 |
| Girls / boys | 148 / 187 | 796 / 373 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 252 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 175 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1081 | 1075 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 14.9 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 84.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 18.4 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Fairy Meadow 2519 | Fairy Meadow 2519 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au/ | wollongong-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts scores higher on the Success Index (68.8 vs 63.0).
- •Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1081 vs 1075), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 14.9).
- •Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts is the larger school with 1,169 students compared with 335.
- •Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -21%).
- •Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts is a government 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 Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School better than Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts?
On the Success Index, Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts ranks higher (68.8 vs 63.0 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 Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts?
About 892 m in a straight line, between Fairy Meadow and Fairy Meadow in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School has 14.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts has 13.9.
How do Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts rank in NSW?
Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School is 536th of 1,619 and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts is 124th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.