Kempsey West Public School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 499 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kempsey West Public School
West Kempsey · Government primary · K-6
422 students · ICSEA 794
St Joseph's Primary School
West Kempsey · Catholic primary · K-6
332 students · ICSEA 991
| Measure | Kempsey West Public School West Kempsey NSW | St Joseph's Primary School West Kempsey NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1499 of 1,619 | #905 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4560 of 4,908 | #2788 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 422 | 332 |
| Girls / boys | 223 / 199 | 183 / 149 |
| Foundation intake | 46 | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 794 | 991 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 78% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.9 | 22.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.1 | 10.7 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 57% | 16% |
| Suburb | West Kempsey 2440 | West Kempsey 2440 |
| Council area | Kempsey | Kempsey |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | kempseywst-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.kmpplism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.7 vs 24.0).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 794), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kempsey West Public School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 15.1).
- •Kempsey West Public School is the larger school with 422 students compared with 332.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (27% vs 5%).
- •Kempsey West Public School is a government school while St Joseph's 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.
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Kempsey West Public School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (48.7 vs 24.0 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 Kempsey West Public School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 499 m in a straight line, between West Kempsey and West Kempsey in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kempsey West Public School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 15.1.
How do Kempsey West Public School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Kempsey West Public School is 1499th of 1,619 and St Joseph's Primary School is 905th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.