Holy Spirit College vs Russell Vale Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 907 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit College
Bellambi · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,249 students · ICSEA 1069
Russell Vale Public School
Russell Vale · Government primary · K-6
262 students · ICSEA 1040
| Measure | Holy Spirit College Bellambi NSW | Russell Vale Public School Russell Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #136 of 539 | #743 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #333 of 1,472 | #2273 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,249 | 262 |
| Girls / boys | 597 / 652 | 130 / 132 |
| Foundation intake | – | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | 228 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 171 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | 0% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1040 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 17.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 96.0 | 15.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.8 | 2.5 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Bellambi 2518 | Russell Vale 2517 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hscdow.catholic.edu.au | russellval-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit College scores higher on the Success Index (67.8 vs 55.7).
- •Holy Spirit College has the higher ICSEA (1069 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Spirit College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 17.0).
- •Holy Spirit College is the larger school with 1,249 students compared with 262.
- •Holy Spirit College has grown faster over five years (0% vs -10%).
- •Holy Spirit College is a catholic school while Russell Vale 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 Spirit College better than Russell Vale Public School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit College ranks higher (67.8 vs 55.7 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 College and Russell Vale Public School?
About 907 m in a straight line, between Bellambi and Russell Vale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Russell Vale Public School has 17.0.
How do Holy Spirit College and Russell Vale Public School rank in NSW?
Holy Spirit College is 136th of 539 and Russell Vale Public School is 743rd of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.