Kiama Public School vs Shell Cove Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 8.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kiama Public School
Kiama · Government primary · K-6
347 students · ICSEA 1064
Shell Cove Public School
Shell Cove · Government primary · K-6
463 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Kiama Public School Kiama NSW | Shell Cove Public School Shell Cove NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #772 of 1,619 | #722 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2357 of 4,908 | #2198 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 347 | 463 |
| Girls / boys | 168 / 179 | 224 / 239 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 61 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -36% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1064 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 73th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 17.8 | 18.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.5 | 25.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 7% |
| Suburb | Kiama 2533 | Shell Cove 2529 |
| Council area | Kiama | Shellharbour |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kiama-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | shellcove-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Shell Cove Public School scores higher on the Success Index (56.7 vs 54.6).
- •Kiama Public School has the higher ICSEA (1064 vs 1049), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shell Cove Public School is the larger school with 463 students compared with 347.
- •Shell Cove Public School has grown faster over five years (-11% vs -36%).
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 Kiama Public School better than Shell Cove Public School?
On the Success Index, Shell Cove Public School ranks higher (56.7 vs 54.6 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 Kiama Public School and Shell Cove Public School?
About 8.3 km in a straight line, between Kiama and Shell Cove in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kiama Public School has 17.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shell Cove Public School has 18.2.
How do Kiama Public School and Shell Cove Public School rank in NSW?
Kiama Public School is 772nd of 1,619 and Shell Cove Public School is 722nd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.