McCarthy Catholic College vs Oxley High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McCarthy Catholic College
West Tamworth · Catholic high school · 7-12
935 students · ICSEA 991
Oxley High School
North Tamworth · Government high school · 7-12
1,007 students · ICSEA 936
| Measure | McCarthy Catholic College West Tamworth NSW | Oxley High School North Tamworth NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #323 of 539 | #472 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #889 of 1,472 | #1289 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 935 | 1,007 |
| Girls / boys | 529 / 406 | 521 / 486 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | 115 | 108 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 936 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.0 | 76.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 21.4 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 27% |
| Suburb | West Tamworth 2340 | North Tamworth 2340 |
| Council area | Tamworth | Tamworth |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mccarthy.nsw.edu.au/ | oxley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •McCarthy Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (42.9 vs 25.7).
- •McCarthy Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 936), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Oxley High School is the larger school with 1,007 students compared with 935.
- •McCarthy Catholic College has grown faster over five years (16% vs -3%).
- •McCarthy Catholic College is a catholic school while Oxley 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 McCarthy Catholic College better than Oxley High School?
On the Success Index, McCarthy Catholic College ranks higher (42.9 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 McCarthy Catholic College and Oxley High School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between West Tamworth and North Tamworth in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McCarthy Catholic College has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Oxley High School has 13.2.
How do McCarthy Catholic College and Oxley High School rank in NSW?
McCarthy Catholic College is 323rd of 539 and Oxley High School is 472nd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.