Holy Cross Catholic Primary School vs Otford Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School
Helensburgh · Catholic primary · K-6
184 students · ICSEA 1071
Otford Public School
Otford · Government primary · K-6
48 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | Holy Cross Catholic Primary School Helensburgh NSW | Otford Public School Otford NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #357 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #1146 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 184 | 48 |
| Girls / boys | 97 / 87 | 20 / 28 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 6 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1071 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 76th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 33% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 17.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.1 | 2.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.5 | 0.9 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 4% |
| Suburb | Helensburgh 2508 | Otford 2508 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.hchdow.catholic.edu.au | otford-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Otford Public School scores higher on the Success Index (71.8 vs 68.6).
- •Otford Public School has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1071), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.2 vs 17.8).
- •Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 184 students compared with 48.
- •Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -17%).
- •Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Otford Public School 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 Holy Cross Catholic Primary School better than Otford Public School?
On the Success Index, Otford Public School ranks higher (71.8 vs 68.6 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 Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Otford Public School?
About 3.2 km in a straight line, between Helensburgh and Otford in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Otford Public School has 17.8.
How do Holy Cross Catholic Primary School and Otford Public School rank in NSW?
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School is 357th of 1,619 and Otford Public School is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.