Holy Spirit Catholic College vs St Paul's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 358 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit Catholic College
Lakemba · Catholic high school · 7-12
730 students · ICSEA 999
St Paul's College
West Kempsey · Catholic high school · 7-12
641 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba NSW | St Paul's College West Kempsey NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #340 of 539 | #231 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #961 of 1,472 | #598 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 730 | 641 |
| Girls / boys | 352 / 378 | 336 / 305 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 110 | 145 |
| Year 12 cohort | 113 | 57 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 10.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.4 | 62.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 28.6 |
| Language background other than English | 96% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 12% |
| Suburb | Lakemba 2195 | West Kempsey 2440 |
| Council area | Canterbury-Bankstown | Kempsey |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | holyspiritlakemba.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.kmpslism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Paul's College scores higher on the Success Index (56.3 vs 39.7).
- •St Paul's College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 12.5).
- •Holy Spirit Catholic College is the larger school with 730 students compared with 641.
- •St Paul's College has grown faster over five years (14% vs -22%).
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 Bankstown
Frequently asked questions
Is Holy Spirit Catholic College better than St Paul's College?
On the Success Index, St Paul's College ranks higher (56.3 vs 39.7 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 Spirit Catholic College and St Paul's College?
About 358 km in a straight line, between Lakemba and West Kempsey in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit Catholic College has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Paul's College has 10.2.
How do Holy Spirit Catholic College and St Paul's College rank in NSW?
Holy Spirit Catholic College is 340th of 539 and St Paul's College is 231st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.