Holy Spirit Infants School vs Pelaw Main Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit Infants School
Abermain · Catholic primary · K-2
122 students · ICSEA 991
Pelaw Main Public School
Pelaw Main · Government primary · K-6
115 students · ICSEA 901
| Measure | Holy Spirit Infants School Abermain NSW | Pelaw Main Public School Pelaw Main NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1037 of 1,619 | #1547 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3230 of 4,908 | #4676 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-2 | K-6 |
| Students | 122 | 115 |
| Girls / boys | 63 / 59 | 66 / 49 |
| Foundation intake | 45 | 17 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | -40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 901 |
| ICSEA percentile | 43th | 11th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 61% |
| Students per teacher | 10.3 | 12.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 9.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 1.7 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 28% |
| Suburb | Abermain 2326 | Pelaw Main 2327 |
| Council area | Cessnock | Cessnock |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.abermain.catholic.edu.au | pelawmain-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit Infants School scores higher on the Success Index (42.9 vs 22.1).
- •Holy Spirit Infants School has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 901), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Spirit Infants School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 12.6).
- •Holy Spirit Infants School is the larger school with 122 students compared with 115.
- •Holy Spirit Infants School has grown faster over five years (-15% vs -40%).
- •Holy Spirit Infants School is a catholic school while Pelaw Main 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 Infants School better than Pelaw Main Public School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit Infants School ranks higher (42.9 vs 22.1 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 Infants School and Pelaw Main Public School?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Abermain and Pelaw Main in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit Infants School has 10.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pelaw Main Public School has 12.6.
How do Holy Spirit Infants School and Pelaw Main Public School rank in NSW?
Holy Spirit Infants School is 1037th of 1,619 and Pelaw Main Public School is 1547th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.