Newcastle Grammar School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newcastle Grammar School
The Hill · Independent combined · K-12
1,049 students · ICSEA 1181
St Joseph's Primary School
Merewether · Catholic primary · K-6
387 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Newcastle Grammar School The Hill NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Merewether NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 88 Top 5% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 314 | #361 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #21 of 1,259 | #1155 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,049 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 538 / 511 | 189 / 198 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 111 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 114 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1181 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 73% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 18.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 97.7 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 62.1 | 5.9 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | The Hill 2300 | Merewether 2291 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ngs.nsw.edu.au | merewether.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newcastle Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (87.8 vs 68.5).
- •Newcastle Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1181 vs 1141), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newcastle Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 18.5).
- •Newcastle Grammar School is the larger school with 1,049 students compared with 387.
- •Newcastle Grammar School has grown faster over five years (15% vs -1%).
- •Newcastle Grammar School is a independent school while St Joseph'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 Newcastle Grammar School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Newcastle Grammar School ranks higher (87.8 vs 68.5 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 Newcastle Grammar School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between The Hill and Merewether in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newcastle Grammar School has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 18.5.
How do Newcastle Grammar School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Newcastle Grammar School is 6th of 314 and St Joseph's Primary School is 361st of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.