Merimbula Public School vs Pambula Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 5.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merimbula Public School
Merimbula · Government primary · K-6
428 students · ICSEA 1001
Pambula Public School
Pambula · Government primary · K-6
257 students · ICSEA 994
| Measure | Merimbula Public School Merimbula NSW | Pambula Public School Pambula NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 50 Top 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #880 of 1,619 | #953 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2698 of 4,908 | #2943 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 428 | 257 |
| Girls / boys | 197 / 231 | 126 / 131 |
| Foundation intake | 56 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +14% | -25% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 994 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 27.3 | 19.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.2 | 5.8 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 7% |
| Suburb | Merimbula 2548 | Pambula 2549 |
| Council area | Bega Valley | Bega Valley |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | merimbula-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | pambula-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Merimbula Public School scores higher on the Success Index (49.8 vs 46.7).
- •Merimbula Public School has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pambula Public School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 15.7).
- •Merimbula Public School is the larger school with 428 students compared with 257.
- •Merimbula Public School has grown faster over five years (14% vs -25%).
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 Merimbula Public School better than Pambula Public School?
On the Success Index, Merimbula Public School ranks higher (49.8 vs 46.7 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 Merimbula Public School and Pambula Public School?
About 5.9 km in a straight line, between Merimbula and Pambula in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merimbula Public School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pambula Public School has 12.9.
How do Merimbula Public School and Pambula Public School rank in NSW?
Merimbula Public School is 880th of 1,619 and Pambula Public School is 953rd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.