McCarthy Catholic College vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.3 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
St Joseph's Primary School
West Tamworth · Catholic primary · K-6
185 students · ICSEA 1003
| Measure | McCarthy Catholic College West Tamworth NSW | St Joseph's Primary School West Tamworth NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #323 of 539 | #820 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #889 of 1,472 | #2503 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 935 | 185 |
| Girls / boys | 529 / 406 | 89 / 96 |
| Foundation intake | – | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 115 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 1003 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.0 | 14.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 6.5 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 15% |
| Suburb | West Tamworth 2340 | West Tamworth 2340 |
| Council area | Tamworth | Tamworth |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mccarthy.nsw.edu.au/ | stjosephstamworth.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (52.8 vs 42.9).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1003 vs 991), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •McCarthy Catholic College is the larger school with 935 students compared with 185.
- •McCarthy Catholic College has grown faster over five years (16% vs 7%).
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 St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (52.8 vs 42.9 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 St Joseph's Primary School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between West Tamworth and West 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 St Joseph's Primary School has 13.1.
How do McCarthy Catholic College and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
McCarthy Catholic College is 323rd of 539 and St Joseph's Primary School is 820th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.