Lake Cathie Public School vs Rydalmere East Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 300 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lake Cathie Public School
Lake Cathie · Government primary · K-6
395 students · ICSEA 1007
Rydalmere East Public School
Ermington · Government primary · P-6
104 students · ICSEA 1007
| Measure | Lake Cathie Public School Lake Cathie NSW | Rydalmere East Public School Ermington NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Top 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #895 of 1,619 | #860 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2754 of 4,908 | #2617 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | P-6 |
| Students | 395 | 104 |
| Girls / boys | 187 / 208 | 47 / 57 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | -43% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1007 | 1007 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 16.1 | 8.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 13.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.2 | 5.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 53% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 4% |
| Suburb | Lake Cathie 2445 | Ermington 2115 |
| Council area | Port Macquarie-Hastings | Parramatta |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | lakecathie-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | rydalmeree-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Rydalmere East Public School scores higher on the Success Index (51.1 vs 49.2).
- •Rydalmere East Public School has fewer students per teacher (8.0 vs 16.1).
- •Lake Cathie Public School is the larger school with 395 students compared with 104.
- •Lake Cathie Public School has grown faster over five years (22% vs -43%).
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 Lake Cathie Public School better than Rydalmere East Public School?
On the Success Index, Rydalmere East Public School ranks higher (51.1 vs 49.2 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 Lake Cathie Public School and Rydalmere East Public School?
About 300 km in a straight line, between Lake Cathie and Ermington in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lake Cathie Public School has 16.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Rydalmere East Public School has 8.0.
How do Lake Cathie Public School and Rydalmere East Public School rank in NSW?
Lake Cathie Public School is 895th of 1,619 and Rydalmere East Public School is 860th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.