Herons Creek Public School vs Lake Cathie Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 9.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Herons Creek Public School
Herons Creek · Government primary · K-6
25 students · ICSEA 919
Lake Cathie Public School
Lake Cathie · Government primary · K-6
395 students · ICSEA 1007
| Measure | Herons Creek Public School Herons Creek NSW | Lake Cathie Public School Lake Cathie NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 49 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #895 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #2754 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 25 | 395 |
| Girls / boys | 10 / 15 | 187 / 208 |
| Foundation intake | 3 | 50 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 919 | 1007 |
| ICSEA percentile | 15th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 9.3 | 16.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 2.7 | 24.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 0.9 | 6.2 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 32% | 14% |
| Suburb | Herons Creek 2443 | Lake Cathie 2445 |
| Council area | Port Macquarie-Hastings | Port Macquarie-Hastings |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | heronscrk-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | lakecathie-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Lake Cathie Public School scores higher on the Success Index (49.2 vs 26.9).
- •Lake Cathie Public School has the higher ICSEA (1007 vs 919), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Herons Creek Public School has fewer students per teacher (9.3 vs 16.1).
- •Lake Cathie Public School is the larger school with 395 students compared with 25.
- •Lake Cathie Public School has grown faster over five years (22% vs -7%).
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Herons Creek Public School better than Lake Cathie Public School?
On the Success Index, Lake Cathie Public School ranks higher (49.2 vs 26.9 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 Herons Creek Public School and Lake Cathie Public School?
About 9.3 km in a straight line, between Herons Creek and Lake Cathie in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Herons Creek Public School has 9.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lake Cathie Public School has 16.1.
How do Herons Creek Public School and Lake Cathie Public School rank in NSW?
Herons Creek Public School is unranked and Lake Cathie Public School is 895th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.