Heaton Public School vs St John's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Heaton Public School
Jesmond · Government primary · K-6
162 students · ICSEA 955
St John's Primary School
Lambton · Catholic primary · K-6
200 students · ICSEA 1083
| Measure | Heaton Public School Jesmond NSW | St John's Primary School Lambton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #1130 of 1,619 | #411 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3534 of 4,908 | #1263 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 162 | 200 |
| Girls / boys | 78 / 84 | 97 / 103 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 29 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 955 | 1083 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 15.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.1 | 12.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.0 | 4.6 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 8% |
| Suburb | Jesmond 2299 | Lambton 2299 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | heaton-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | lambton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (67.4 vs 38.5).
- •St John's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1083 vs 955), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heaton Public School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 15.9).
- •St John's Primary School is the larger school with 200 students compared with 162.
- •St John's Primary School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -12%).
- •Heaton Public School is a government school while St John'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 Heaton Public School better than St John's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St John's Primary School ranks higher (67.4 vs 38.5 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 Heaton Public School and St John's Primary School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Jesmond and Lambton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Heaton Public School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's Primary School has 15.9.
How do Heaton Public School and St John's Primary School rank in NSW?
Heaton Public School is 1130th of 1,619 and St John's Primary School is 411th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.