Illawong Public School vs Tharawal Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.6 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
Tharawal Public School
Menai · Government primary · K-6
328 students · ICSEA 1085
| Measure | Illawong Public School Illawong NSW | Tharawal Public School Menai NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #530 of 1,619 | #567 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1616 of 4,908 | #1743 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 191 | 328 |
| Girls / boys | 103 / 88 | 135 / 193 |
| Foundation intake | 38 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1085 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 16.2 | 17.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 18.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.0 | 2.8 |
| Language background other than English | 45% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Illawong 2234 | Menai 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | illawong-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | tharawal-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Illawong Public School scores higher on the Success Index (63.3 vs 62.1).
- •Tharawal Public School has the higher ICSEA (1085 vs 1069), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Illawong Public School has fewer students per teacher (16.2 vs 17.5).
- •Tharawal Public School is the larger school with 328 students compared with 191.
- •Illawong Public School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -13%).
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 Panania
Frequently asked questions
Is Illawong Public School better than Tharawal Public School?
On the Success Index, Illawong Public School ranks higher (63.3 vs 62.1 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 Illawong Public School and Tharawal Public School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Illawong and Menai 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 Tharawal Public School has 17.5.
How do Illawong Public School and Tharawal Public School rank in NSW?
Illawong Public School is 530th of 1,619 and Tharawal Public School is 567th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.