Good Shepherd Primary School vs St Mary's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 415 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Good Shepherd Primary School
Plumpton · Catholic primary · K-6
626 students · ICSEA 1039
St Mary's Primary School
Bellingen · Catholic primary · K-6
123 students · ICSEA 1039
| Measure | Good Shepherd Primary School Plumpton NSW | St Mary's Primary School Bellingen NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 53 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #813 of 1,619 | #592 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2491 of 4,908 | #1811 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 626 | 123 |
| Girls / boys | 287 / 339 | 49 / 74 |
| Foundation intake | 100 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1039 | 1039 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 16.7 | 12.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.4 | 9.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.3 | 7.3 |
| Language background other than English | 72% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 9% |
| Suburb | Plumpton 2761 | Bellingen 2454 |
| Council area | Blacktown | Bellingen |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.gsplumpton.catholic.edu.au | www.stmarysbellingen.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (61.4 vs 52.9).
- •St Mary's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 16.7).
- •Good Shepherd Primary School is the larger school with 626 students compared with 123.
- •St Mary's Primary School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -8%).
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 Mount Druitt
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Shepherd Primary School better than St Mary's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Primary School ranks higher (61.4 vs 52.9 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 Good Shepherd Primary School and St Mary's Primary School?
About 415 km in a straight line, between Plumpton and Bellingen in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Good Shepherd Primary School has 16.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Primary School has 12.6.
How do Good Shepherd Primary School and St Mary's Primary School rank in NSW?
Good Shepherd Primary School is 813th of 1,619 and St Mary's Primary School is 592nd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.