Mater Dei Catholic Primary School vs St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 84 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mater Dei Catholic Primary School
Blakehurst · Catholic primary · K-6
400 students · ICSEA 1103
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School
Bowral · Catholic primary · K-6
219 students · ICSEA 1103
| Measure | Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Blakehurst NSW | St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School Bowral NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #451 of 1,619 | #399 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1358 of 4,908 | #1235 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 400 | 219 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 207 | 110 / 109 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | -40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1103 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 17.5 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.8 | 13.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.7 | 7.3 |
| Language background other than English | 78% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Blakehurst 2221 | Bowral 2576 |
| Council area | Georges River | Wingecarribee |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | mdblakehurst.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (67.7 vs 66.2).
- •St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (16.8 vs 17.5).
- •Mater Dei Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 400 students compared with 219.
- •Mater Dei Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -40%).
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 Primary School better than St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School ranks higher (67.7 vs 66.2 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 Mater Dei Catholic Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School?
About 84 km in a straight line, between Blakehurst and Bowral in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mater Dei Catholic Primary School has 17.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School has 16.8.
How do Mater Dei Catholic Primary School and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Mater Dei Catholic Primary School is 451st of 1,619 and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School is 399th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.