MacKillop Catholic College vs Wadalba Community School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
MacKillop Catholic College
Woongarrah · Catholic combined · K-12
1,558 students · ICSEA 1042
Wadalba Community School
Wadalba · Government combined · K-12
1,414 students · ICSEA 941
| Measure | MacKillop Catholic College Woongarrah NSW | Wadalba Community School Wadalba NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #220 of 314 | #312 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #700 of 1,259 | #1231 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,558 | 1,414 |
| Girls / boys | 803 / 755 | 705 / 709 |
| Foundation intake | 101 | 38 |
| Year 7 cohort | 184 | 198 |
| Year 12 cohort | 111 | 125 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1042 | 941 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 14.2 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 109.4 | 106.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.8 | 24.4 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 17% |
| Suburb | Woongarrah 2259 | Wadalba 2259 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mccwdbb.catholic.edu.au | wadalba-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •MacKillop Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (47.8 vs 21.4).
- •MacKillop Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1042 vs 941), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wadalba Community School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 14.2).
- •MacKillop Catholic College is the larger school with 1,558 students compared with 1,414.
- •MacKillop Catholic College has grown faster over five years (8% vs -14%).
- •MacKillop Catholic College is a catholic school while Wadalba Community School is a government 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 MacKillop Catholic College better than Wadalba Community School?
On the Success Index, MacKillop Catholic College ranks higher (47.8 vs 21.4 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 MacKillop Catholic College and Wadalba Community School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Woongarrah and Wadalba in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
MacKillop Catholic College has 14.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wadalba Community School has 13.2.
How do MacKillop Catholic College and Wadalba Community School rank in NSW?
MacKillop Catholic College is 220th of 314 and Wadalba Community School is 312th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.