Newcastle High School vs St Francis Xavier's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 664 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newcastle High School
Hamilton · Government high school · 7-12
1,072 students · ICSEA 1027
St Francis Xavier's College
Hamilton · Catholic high school · 7-12
959 students · ICSEA 1096
| Measure | Newcastle High School Hamilton NSW | St Francis Xavier's College Hamilton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 85 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #201 of 539 | #9 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #501 of 1,472 | #22 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,072 | 959 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 562 | 501 / 458 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 130 | 144 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 344 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1027 | 1096 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.7 | 91.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 16.1 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 3% |
| Suburb | Hamilton 2303 | Hamilton 2303 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | hamilton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier's College scores higher on the Success Index (84.6 vs 60.6).
- •St Francis Xavier's College has the higher ICSEA (1096 vs 1027), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Francis Xavier's College has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 11.3).
- •Newcastle High School is the larger school with 1,072 students compared with 959.
- •St Francis Xavier's College has grown faster over five years (2% vs -11%).
- •Newcastle High School is a government school while St Francis Xavier's College 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 High School better than St Francis Xavier's College?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's College ranks higher (84.6 vs 60.6 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 High School and St Francis Xavier's College?
About 664 m in a straight line, between Hamilton and Hamilton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newcastle High School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier's College has 10.5.
How do Newcastle High School and St Francis Xavier's College rank in NSW?
Newcastle High School is 201st of 539 and St Francis Xavier's College is 9th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.