Mater Dei Catholic College vs Mount Austin High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 3.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mater Dei Catholic College
Lake Albert · Catholic high school · 7-12
749 students · ICSEA 1050
Mount Austin High School
Wagga Wagga · Government high school · 7-12
522 students · ICSEA 822
| Measure | Mater Dei Catholic College Lake Albert NSW | Mount Austin High School Wagga Wagga NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #179 of 539 | #471 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #446 of 1,472 | #1288 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 749 | 522 |
| Girls / boys | 392 / 357 | 247 / 275 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 138 | 106 |
| Year 12 cohort | 94 | 47 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1050 | 822 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 3th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 76% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.1 | 54.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.5 | 17.1 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 42% |
| Suburb | Lake Albert 2650 | Wagga Wagga 2650 |
| Council area | Wagga Wagga | Wagga Wagga |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.mdccww.catholic.edu.au | mtaustin-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Mater Dei Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (62.6 vs 25.7).
- •Mater Dei Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1050 vs 822), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Austin High School has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 13.4).
- •Mater Dei Catholic College is the larger school with 749 students compared with 522.
- •Mater Dei Catholic College is a catholic school while Mount Austin High 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 Mater Dei Catholic College better than Mount Austin High School?
On the Success Index, Mater Dei Catholic College ranks higher (62.6 vs 25.7 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 Mater Dei Catholic College and Mount Austin High School?
About 3.9 km in a straight line, between Lake Albert and Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mater Dei Catholic College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mount Austin High School has 9.5.
How do Mater Dei Catholic College and Mount Austin High School rank in NSW?
Mater Dei Catholic College is 179th of 539 and Mount Austin High School is 471st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.