Merewether High School vs St Columba's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merewether High School
Broadmeadow · Government high school · 7-12
1,080 students · ICSEA 1206
St Columba's Primary School
Adamstown · Catholic primary · K-6
168 students · ICSEA 1107
| Measure | Merewether High School Broadmeadow NSW | St Columba's Primary School Adamstown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 539 | #328 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #168 of 1,472 | #1079 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,080 | 168 |
| Girls / boys | 469 / 611 | 87 / 81 |
| Foundation intake | – | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | 180 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 180 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1206 | 1107 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 73% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.2 | 10.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.6 | 3.1 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 8% |
| Suburb | Broadmeadow 2292 | Adamstown 2289 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | merewether-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.adamstownsc.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Merewether High School scores higher on the Success Index (75.1 vs 69.3).
- •Merewether High School has the higher ICSEA (1206 vs 1107), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merewether High School has fewer students per teacher (14.8 vs 16.8).
- •Merewether High School is the larger school with 1,080 students compared with 168.
- •Merewether High School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -24%).
- •Merewether High School is a government school while St Columba's Primary School is a catholic 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 Merewether High School better than St Columba's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Merewether High School ranks higher (75.1 vs 69.3 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 Merewether High School and St Columba's Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Broadmeadow and Adamstown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merewether High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's Primary School has 16.8.
How do Merewether High School and St Columba's Primary School rank in NSW?
Merewether High School is 61st of 539 and St Columba's Primary School is 328th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.