Kanwal Public School vs MacKillop Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kanwal Public School
Kanwal · Government primary · K-6
500 students · ICSEA 942
MacKillop Catholic College
Woongarrah · Catholic combined · K-12
1,558 students · ICSEA 1042
| Measure | Kanwal Public School Kanwal NSW | MacKillop Catholic College Woongarrah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1508 of 1,619 | #220 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4579 of 4,908 | #700 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 500 | 1,558 |
| Girls / boys | 232 / 268 | 803 / 755 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 101 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 184 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 111 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 942 | 1042 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 31.5 | 109.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.8 | 27.8 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 6% |
| Suburb | Kanwal 2259 | Woongarrah 2259 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kanwal-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •MacKillop Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (47.8 vs 23.8).
- •MacKillop Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1042 vs 942), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •MacKillop Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 15.9).
- •MacKillop Catholic College is the larger school with 1,558 students compared with 500.
- •MacKillop Catholic College has grown faster over five years (8% vs -19%).
- •Kanwal Public School is a government school while MacKillop Catholic College is a catholic 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 Kanwal Public School better than MacKillop Catholic College?
On the Success Index, MacKillop Catholic College ranks higher (47.8 vs 23.8 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 Kanwal Public School and MacKillop Catholic College?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Kanwal and Woongarrah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kanwal Public School has 15.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and MacKillop Catholic College has 14.2.
How do Kanwal Public School and MacKillop Catholic College rank in NSW?
Kanwal Public School is 1508th of 1,619 and MacKillop Catholic College is 220th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.