Holy Cross Primary School vs Macquarie College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 884 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Cross Primary School
Glendale · Catholic primary · K-6
153 students · ICSEA 1036
Macquarie College
Wallsend · Independent combined · K-12
1,060 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Holy Cross Primary School Glendale NSW | Macquarie College Wallsend NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #603 of 1,619 | #150 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1840 of 4,908 | #474 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 153 | 1,060 |
| Girls / boys | 86 / 67 | 559 / 501 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 110 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 64 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1036 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 14.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 73.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.9 | 45.3 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 3% |
| Suburb | Glendale 2285 | Wallsend 2287 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.glendale.catholic.edu.au/ | www.macquariecollege.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Cross Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (61.0 vs 59.3).
- •Macquarie College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 1036), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Cross Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.3).
- •Macquarie College is the larger school with 1,060 students compared with 153.
- •Macquarie College has grown faster over five years (24% vs 2%).
- •Holy Cross Primary School is a catholic school while Macquarie College is an independent 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 Primary School better than Macquarie College?
On the Success Index, Holy Cross Primary School ranks higher (61.0 vs 59.3 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 Primary School and Macquarie College?
About 884 m in a straight line, between Glendale and Wallsend in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Cross Primary School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Macquarie College has 14.3.
How do Holy Cross Primary School and Macquarie College rank in NSW?
Holy Cross Primary School is 603rd of 1,619 and Macquarie College is 150th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.