McCarthy Catholic College vs Oxley Vale Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.8 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 Vale Public School
Tamworth · Government primary · K-6
377 students · ICSEA 870
| Measure | McCarthy Catholic College West Tamworth NSW | Oxley Vale Public School Tamworth NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 19 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #323 of 539 | #1589 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #889 of 1,472 | #4809 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 935 | 377 |
| Girls / boys | 529 / 406 | 194 / 183 |
| Foundation intake | – | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 115 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 870 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 15.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.0 | 24.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 41% |
| Suburb | West Tamworth 2340 | Tamworth 2340 |
| Council area | Tamworth | Tamworth |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mccarthy.nsw.edu.au/ | oxleyvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •McCarthy Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (42.9 vs 19.3).
- •McCarthy Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 870), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McCarthy Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.6 vs 15.2).
- •McCarthy Catholic College is the larger school with 935 students compared with 377.
- •McCarthy Catholic College is a catholic school while Oxley Vale Public 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 Vale Public School?
On the Success Index, McCarthy Catholic College ranks higher (42.9 vs 19.3 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 Vale Public School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between West Tamworth and 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 Vale Public School has 15.2.
How do McCarthy Catholic College and Oxley Vale Public School rank in NSW?
McCarthy Catholic College is 323rd of 539 and Oxley Vale Public School is 1589th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.