Kanwal Public School vs St Mary's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 6.9 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
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Noraville · Catholic primary · K-6
545 students · ICSEA 1034
| Measure | Kanwal Public School Kanwal NSW | St Mary's Catholic Primary School Noraville NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1508 of 1,619 | #817 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4579 of 4,908 | #2496 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 500 | 545 |
| Girls / boys | 232 / 268 | 251 / 294 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 77 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 942 | 1034 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 18.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 31.5 | 29.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.8 | 5.3 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 10% |
| Suburb | Kanwal 2259 | Noraville 2263 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kanwal-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.smtdbb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (52.9 vs 23.8).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 942), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kanwal Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.9 vs 18.3).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 545 students compared with 500.
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (16% vs -19%).
- •Kanwal Public School is a government school while St Mary's Catholic Primary School 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 St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (52.9 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 St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
About 6.9 km in a straight line, between Kanwal and Noraville 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 St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 18.3.
How do Kanwal Public School and St Mary's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Kanwal Public School is 1508th of 1,619 and St Mary's Catholic Primary School is 817th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.