Macksville Public School vs Tallowood Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 11 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Macksville Public School
Macksville · Government primary · K-6
284 students · ICSEA 925
Tallowood Steiner School
Bowraville · Independent primary · K-6
94 students · ICSEA 989
| Measure | Macksville Public School Macksville NSW | Tallowood Steiner School Bowraville NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1315 of 1,619 | #996 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4067 of 4,908 | #3106 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 284 | 94 |
| Girls / boys | 146 / 138 | 49 / 45 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 925 | 989 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.1 | 7.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.9 | 4.8 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 16% |
| Suburb | Macksville 2447 | Bowraville 2449 |
| Council area | Nambucca Valley | Nambucca Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | macksville-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.tallowood.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Tallowood Steiner School scores higher on the Success Index (44.7 vs 30.7).
- •Tallowood Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (989 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Macksville Public School is the larger school with 284 students compared with 94.
- •Tallowood Steiner School has grown faster over five years (40% vs -7%).
- •Macksville Public School is a government school while Tallowood Steiner School is an independent 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 Macksville Public School better than Tallowood Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Tallowood Steiner School ranks higher (44.7 vs 30.7 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 Macksville Public School and Tallowood Steiner School?
About 11 km in a straight line, between Macksville and Bowraville in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Macksville Public School has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tallowood Steiner School has 12.7.
How do Macksville Public School and Tallowood Steiner School rank in NSW?
Macksville Public School is 1315th of 1,619 and Tallowood Steiner School is 996th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.