Hamilton South Public School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 707 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Hamilton South Public School
Merewether · Government primary · K-6
362 students · ICSEA 1139
St Joseph's Primary School
Merewether · Catholic primary · K-6
387 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Hamilton South Public School Merewether NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Merewether NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #142 of 1,619 | #361 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #546 of 4,908 | #1155 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 362 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 186 | 189 / 198 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1139 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 58% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 16.0 | 18.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.6 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 5.9 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 2% |
| Suburb | Merewether 2291 | Merewether 2291 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | hamiltons-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | merewether.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Hamilton South Public School scores higher on the Success Index (74.8 vs 68.5).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1139), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Hamilton South Public School has fewer students per teacher (16.0 vs 18.5).
- •St Joseph's Primary School is the larger school with 387 students compared with 362.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -14%).
- •Hamilton South Public School is a government school while St Joseph'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 Hamilton South Public School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Hamilton South Public School ranks higher (74.8 vs 68.5 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 Hamilton South Public School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 707 m in a straight line, between Merewether and Merewether in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Hamilton South Public School has 16.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 18.5.
How do Hamilton South Public School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Hamilton South Public School is 142nd of 1,619 and St Joseph's Primary School is 361st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.