Kotara High School vs St James' Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 665 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kotara High School
Adamstown · Government high school · 7-12
1,130 students · ICSEA 1066
St James' Primary School
Kotara South · Catholic primary · K-6
334 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | Kotara High School Adamstown NSW | St James' Primary School Kotara South NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #142 of 539 | #556 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #349 of 1,472 | #1704 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,130 | 334 |
| Girls / boys | 512 / 618 | 169 / 165 |
| Foundation intake | – | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 193 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 148 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1066 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 74th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 16.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.5 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.0 | 8.2 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Adamstown 2289 | Kotara South 2289 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kotara-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | kotarasouth.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Kotara High School scores higher on the Success Index (67.4 vs 62.4).
- •St James' Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1066), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kotara High School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 16.2).
- •Kotara High School is the larger school with 1,130 students compared with 334.
- •Kotara High School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -15%).
- •Kotara High School is a government school while St James' 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 Kotara High School better than St James' Primary School?
On the Success Index, Kotara High School ranks higher (67.4 vs 62.4 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 Kotara High School and St James' Primary School?
About 665 m in a straight line, between Adamstown and Kotara South in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kotara High School has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James' Primary School has 16.2.
How do Kotara High School and St James' Primary School rank in NSW?
Kotara High School is 142nd of 539 and St James' Primary School is 556th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.