Nambucca Heads Public School vs Salt Ash Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 260 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nambucca Heads Public School
Nambucca Heads · Government primary · K-6
156 students · ICSEA 904
Salt Ash Public School
Salt Ash · Government primary · K-6
142 students · ICSEA 904
| Measure | Nambucca Heads Public School Nambucca Heads NSW | Salt Ash Public School Salt Ash NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1567 of 1,619 | #1521 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4728 of 4,908 | #4614 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 156 | 142 |
| Girls / boys | 75 / 81 | 69 / 73 |
| Foundation intake | 11 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -42% | +54% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 904 | 904 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 12th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 56% | 60% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 16.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.6 | 8.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.1 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 26% | 32% |
| Suburb | Nambucca Heads 2448 | Salt Ash 2318 |
| Council area | Nambucca Valley | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | nambuccahd-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | saltash-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Salt Ash Public School scores higher on the Success Index (23.2 vs 21.0).
- •Nambucca Heads Public School has fewer students per teacher (13.4 vs 16.7).
- •Nambucca Heads Public School is the larger school with 156 students compared with 142.
- •Salt Ash Public School has grown faster over five years (54% vs -42%).
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 Nambucca Heads Public School better than Salt Ash Public School?
On the Success Index, Salt Ash Public School ranks higher (23.2 vs 21.0 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 Nambucca Heads Public School and Salt Ash Public School?
About 260 km in a straight line, between Nambucca Heads and Salt Ash in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nambucca Heads Public School has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Salt Ash Public School has 16.7.
How do Nambucca Heads Public School and Salt Ash Public School rank in NSW?
Nambucca Heads Public School is 1567th of 1,619 and Salt Ash Public School is 1521st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.