Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus vs St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 311 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus
Balgowlah · Government high school · 7-12
1,100 students · ICSEA 1115
St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
Balgowlah · Catholic primary · K-6
232 students · ICSEA 1168
| Measure | Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus Balgowlah NSW | St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School Balgowlah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #114 of 539 | #107 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #293 of 1,472 | #394 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,100 | 232 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 1,100 | 146 / 86 |
| Foundation intake | – | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 175 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 173 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1115 | 1168 |
| ICSEA percentile | 88th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 46% | 65% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 76.6 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 4.0 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balgowlah 2093 | Balgowlah 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | nbscbalgb-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.scbdbb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (77.0 vs 69.8).
- •St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1168 vs 1115), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 16.8).
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus is the larger school with 1,100 students compared with 232.
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -15%).
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus is a government school while St Cecilia'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus better than St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (77.0 vs 69.8 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 Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School?
About 311 m in a straight line, between Balgowlah and Balgowlah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School has 16.8.
How do Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus is 114th of 539 and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is 107th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.