McCarthy Catholic College vs Tamworth West Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 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
Tamworth West Public School
West Tamworth · Government primary · K-6
370 students · ICSEA 908
| Measure | McCarthy Catholic College West Tamworth NSW | Tamworth West Public School West Tamworth NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 43 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #323 of 539 | #1261 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #889 of 1,472 | #3913 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 935 | 370 |
| Girls / boys | 529 / 406 | 157 / 213 |
| Foundation intake | – | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 115 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 908 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 13th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.0 | 31.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 7.1 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 32% |
| Suburb | West Tamworth 2340 | West Tamworth 2340 |
| Council area | Tamworth | Tamworth |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | mccarthy.nsw.edu.au/ | tamworthw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •McCarthy Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (42.9 vs 33.1).
- •McCarthy Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 908), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tamworth West Public School has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 13.6).
- •McCarthy Catholic College is the larger school with 935 students compared with 370.
- •McCarthy Catholic College has grown faster over five years (16% vs -6%).
- •McCarthy Catholic College is a catholic school while Tamworth West 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is McCarthy Catholic College better than Tamworth West Public School?
On the Success Index, McCarthy Catholic College ranks higher (42.9 vs 33.1 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 Tamworth West Public School?
About 2.1 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 Tamworth West Public School has 11.9.
How do McCarthy Catholic College and Tamworth West Public School rank in NSW?
McCarthy Catholic College is 323rd of 539 and Tamworth West Public School is 1261st of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.