Illawong Public School vs Kotara South Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 132 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Illawong Public School
Illawong · Government primary · K-6
191 students · ICSEA 1069
Kotara South Public School
Kotara · Government primary · K-6
309 students · ICSEA 1069
| Measure | Illawong Public School Illawong NSW | Kotara South Public School Kotara NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #530 of 1,619 | #557 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1616 of 4,908 | #1708 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 191 | 309 |
| Girls / boys | 103 / 88 | 138 / 171 |
| Foundation intake | 38 | 36 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1069 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 31% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 16.2 | 14.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 20.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.0 | 4.3 |
| Language background other than English | 45% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 6% |
| Suburb | Illawong 2234 | Kotara 2289 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | illawong-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | kotarasth-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Illawong Public School scores higher on the Success Index (63.3 vs 62.3).
- •Kotara South Public School has fewer students per teacher (14.9 vs 16.2).
- •Kotara South Public School is the larger school with 309 students compared with 191.
- •Illawong Public School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -11%).
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 Illawong Public School better than Kotara South Public School?
On the Success Index, Illawong Public School ranks higher (63.3 vs 62.3 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 Illawong Public School and Kotara South Public School?
About 132 km in a straight line, between Illawong and Kotara in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Illawong Public School has 16.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kotara South Public School has 14.9.
How do Illawong Public School and Kotara South Public School rank in NSW?
Illawong Public School is 530th of 1,619 and Kotara South Public School is 557th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.