Murwillumbah Public School vs Thirlmere Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 706 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Murwillumbah Public School
Murwillumbah · Government primary · K-6
149 students · ICSEA 959
Thirlmere Public School
Thirlmere · Government primary · K-6
401 students · ICSEA 959
| Measure | Murwillumbah Public School Murwillumbah NSW | Thirlmere Public School Thirlmere NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 38 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1138 of 1,619 | #1368 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3565 of 4,908 | #4209 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 149 | 401 |
| Girls / boys | 91 / 58 | 197 / 204 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 85 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -40% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 959 | 959 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 28th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 8.5 | 18.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.6 | 21.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.7 | 2.9 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 17% |
| Suburb | Murwillumbah 2484 | Thirlmere 2572 |
| Council area | Tweed | Wollondilly |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | thirlmere-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Murwillumbah Public School scores higher on the Success Index (38.1 vs 28.9).
- •Murwillumbah Public School has fewer students per teacher (8.5 vs 18.3).
- •Thirlmere Public School is the larger school with 401 students compared with 149.
- •Thirlmere Public School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -40%).
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 Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Murwillumbah Public School better than Thirlmere Public School?
On the Success Index, Murwillumbah Public School ranks higher (38.1 vs 28.9 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 Murwillumbah Public School and Thirlmere Public School?
About 706 km in a straight line, between Murwillumbah and Thirlmere in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Murwillumbah Public School has 8.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thirlmere Public School has 18.3.
How do Murwillumbah Public School and Thirlmere Public School rank in NSW?
Murwillumbah Public School is 1138th of 1,619 and Thirlmere Public School is 1368th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.