McAuley Catholic College vs St Mary's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 4.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McAuley Catholic College
Clarenza · Catholic high school · 7-12
602 students · ICSEA 1031
St Mary's Primary School
Grafton · Catholic primary · K-6
259 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | McAuley Catholic College Clarenza NSW | St Mary's Primary School Grafton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #98 of 539 | #812 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #262 of 1,472 | #2489 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 602 | 259 |
| Girls / boys | 334 / 268 | 123 / 136 |
| Foundation intake | – | 44 |
| Year 7 cohort | 126 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 66 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +38% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 10.5 | 15.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 57.4 | 17.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.0 | 6.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 6% |
| Suburb | Clarenza 2460 | Grafton 2460 |
| Council area | Clarence Valley | Clarence Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.grafslism.catholic.edu.au/ | www.grafplism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •McAuley Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (71.2 vs 53.0).
- •McAuley Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McAuley Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 15.2).
- •McAuley Catholic College is the larger school with 602 students compared with 259.
- •St Mary's Primary School has grown faster over five years (38% vs 18%).
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 McAuley Catholic College better than St Mary's Primary School?
On the Success Index, McAuley Catholic College ranks higher (71.2 vs 53.0 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 McAuley Catholic College and St Mary's Primary School?
About 4.1 km in a straight line, between Clarenza and Grafton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McAuley Catholic College has 10.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Primary School has 15.2.
How do McAuley Catholic College and St Mary's Primary School rank in NSW?
McAuley Catholic College is 98th of 539 and St Mary's Primary School is 812th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.