Minimbah Primary School vs St Mary's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Minimbah Primary School
Armidale · Independent primary · K-6
47 students · ICSEA 697
St Mary's Primary School
Armidale · Catholic primary · K-6
327 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | Minimbah Primary School Armidale NSW | St Mary's Primary School Armidale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #753 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #2297 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 47 | 327 |
| Girls / boys | 26 / 21 | 169 / 158 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +88% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 697 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 1th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 80% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 4.2 | 21.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.6 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 94% | 11% |
| Suburb | Armidale 2350 | Armidale 2350 |
| Council area | Armidale | Armidale |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.minimbah.net/ | stmarysarmidale.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (55.4 vs 20.8).
- •St Mary's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 697), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Minimbah Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 15.1).
- •St Mary's Primary School is the larger school with 327 students compared with 47.
- •Minimbah Primary School has grown faster over five years (88% vs 3%).
- •Minimbah Primary School is a independent school while St Mary'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 Minimbah Primary School better than St Mary's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Primary School ranks higher (55.4 vs 20.8 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 Minimbah Primary School and St Mary's Primary School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Armidale and Armidale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Minimbah Primary School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Primary School has 15.1.
How do Minimbah Primary School and St Mary's Primary School rank in NSW?
Minimbah Primary School is unranked and St Mary's Primary School is 753rd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.