Newtown High School of Performing Arts vs St Mary's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 860 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newtown High School of Performing Arts
Newtown · Government high school · 7-12
1,145 students · ICSEA 1127
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Erskineville · Catholic primary · K-6
169 students · ICSEA 1145
| Measure | Newtown High School of Performing Arts Newtown NSW | St Mary's Catholic Primary School Erskineville NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 539 | #94 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #176 of 1,472 | #360 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,145 | 169 |
| Girls / boys | 677 / 468 | 87 / 82 |
| Foundation intake | – | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | 205 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 195 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1127 | 1145 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 53% | 60% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 15.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 76.1 | 11.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.4 | 4.0 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 42% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Newtown 2042 | Erskineville 2043 |
| Council area | Sydney | Sydney |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newtown-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | stmerskineville.syd.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (77.6 vs 74.8).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1145 vs 1127), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts is the larger school with 1,145 students compared with 169.
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts has grown faster over five years (4% vs -13%).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts is a government school while St Mary's Catholic 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.
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 Rockdale
Frequently asked questions
Is Newtown High School of Performing Arts better than St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (77.6 vs 74.8 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 Newtown High School of Performing Arts and St Mary's Catholic Primary School?
About 860 m in a straight line, between Newtown and Erskineville in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newtown High School of Performing Arts has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 15.2.
How do Newtown High School of Performing Arts and St Mary's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Newtown High School of Performing Arts is 62nd of 539 and St Mary's Catholic Primary School is 94th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.