Mater Dei Catholic College vs St Joseph's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 970 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
St Joseph's College
Banora Point · Catholic high school · 7-12
838 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | Mater Dei Catholic College Lake Albert NSW | St Joseph's College Banora Point NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #179 of 539 | #89 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #446 of 1,472 | #246 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 749 | 838 |
| Girls / boys | 392 / 357 | 440 / 398 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 138 | 177 |
| Year 12 cohort | 94 | 105 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1050 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 10.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.1 | 82.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 28.5 | 26.3 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 5% |
| Suburb | Lake Albert 2650 | Banora Point 2486 |
| Council area | Wagga Wagga | Tweed |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mdccww.catholic.edu.au | www.bpslism.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's College scores higher on the Success Index (71.7 vs 62.6).
- •St Joseph's College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 13.4).
- •St Joseph's College is the larger school with 838 students compared with 749.
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 St Joseph's College?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's College ranks higher (71.7 vs 62.6 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 St Joseph's College?
About 970 km in a straight line, between Lake Albert and Banora Point 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 St Joseph's College has 10.2.
How do Mater Dei Catholic College and St Joseph's College rank in NSW?
Mater Dei Catholic College is 179th of 539 and St Joseph's College is 89th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.