Holy Family Catholic Primary School vs Shire Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Family Catholic Primary School
Menai · Catholic primary · K-6
803 students · ICSEA 1098
Shire Christian School
Barden Ridge · Independent combined · K-12
926 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Holy Family Catholic Primary School Menai NSW | Shire Christian School Barden Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #340 of 1,619 | #125 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1116 of 4,908 | #395 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 803 | 926 |
| Girls / boys | 385 / 418 | 453 / 473 |
| Foundation intake | 106 | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 97 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 64 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1098 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 19.2 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 41.9 | 68.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.1 | 38.2 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Menai 2234 | Barden Ridge 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | hfmenai.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.shirechristian.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Family Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (68.9 vs 63.8).
- •Shire Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1098), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shire Christian School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 19.2).
- •Shire Christian School is the larger school with 926 students compared with 803.
- •Holy Family Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Shire Christian School 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 Family Catholic Primary School better than Shire Christian School?
On the Success Index, Holy Family Catholic Primary School ranks higher (68.9 vs 63.8 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 Family Catholic Primary School and Shire Christian School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Menai and Barden Ridge in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Family Catholic Primary School has 19.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shire Christian School has 13.5.
How do Holy Family Catholic Primary School and Shire Christian School rank in NSW?
Holy Family Catholic Primary School is 340th of 1,619 and Shire Christian School is 125th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.