Newcastle High School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 623 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 Joseph's Primary School
Merewether · Catholic primary · K-6
387 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Newcastle High School Hamilton NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Merewether NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #201 of 539 | #361 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #501 of 1,472 | #1155 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,072 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 562 | 189 / 198 |
| Foundation intake | – | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 130 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1027 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 18.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.7 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 5.9 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 2% |
| Suburb | Hamilton 2303 | Merewether 2291 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | merewether.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (68.5 vs 60.6).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1027), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newcastle High School has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 18.5).
- •Newcastle High School is the larger school with 1,072 students compared with 387.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -11%).
- •Newcastle High School is a government 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 High School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (68.5 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 Joseph's Primary School?
About 623 m in a straight line, between Hamilton and Merewether 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 Joseph's Primary School has 18.5.
How do Newcastle High School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Newcastle High School is 201st of 539 and St Joseph's Primary School is 361st of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.