Homebush Public School vs The McDonald College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Homebush Public School
Homebush · Government primary · K-6
368 students · ICSEA 1094
The McDonald College
North Strathfield · Independent combined · 1-12
265 students · ICSEA 1123
| Measure | Homebush Public School Homebush NSW | The McDonald College North Strathfield NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #435 of 1,619 | #60 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1325 of 4,908 | #172 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | 1-12 |
| Students | 368 | 265 |
| Girls / boys | 181 / 187 | 159 / 106 |
| Foundation intake | 43 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 30 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 60 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -29% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1123 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 27.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 21.5 |
| Language background other than English | 95% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Homebush 2140 | North Strathfield 2137 |
| Council area | Strathfield | Canada Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | homebush-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The McDonald College scores higher on the Success Index (75.5 vs 66.6).
- •The McDonald College has the higher ICSEA (1123 vs 1094), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The McDonald College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 15.0).
- •Homebush Public School is the larger school with 368 students compared with 265.
- •The McDonald College has grown faster over five years (-9% vs -29%).
- •Homebush Public School is a government school while The McDonald 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.
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 Burwood
Frequently asked questions
Is Homebush Public School better than The McDonald College?
On the Success Index, The McDonald College ranks higher (75.5 vs 66.6 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 Homebush Public School and The McDonald College?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Homebush and North Strathfield in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Homebush Public School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The McDonald College has 9.7.
How do Homebush Public School and The McDonald College rank in NSW?
Homebush Public School is 435th of 1,619 and The McDonald College is 60th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.