Novoschool vs St Francis Xavier's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Novoschool
Newcastle West · Independent high school · 7-9
79 students · ICSEA 1077
St Francis Xavier's College
Hamilton · Catholic high school · 7-12
959 students · ICSEA 1096
| Measure | Novoschool Newcastle West NSW | St Francis Xavier's College Hamilton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 10% | 85 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | – | #9 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | – | #22 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-9 | 7-12 |
| Students | 79 | 959 |
| Girls / boys | 36 / 43 | 501 / 458 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 36 | 144 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 344 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1077 | 1096 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 39% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 7.9 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 91.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.6 | 16.1 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 3% |
| Suburb | Newcastle West 2302 | Hamilton 2303 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.novoschool.nsw.edu.au/ | hamilton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Francis Xavier's College scores higher on the Success Index (84.6 vs 79.7).
- •St Francis Xavier's College has the higher ICSEA (1096 vs 1077), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Novoschool has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 10.5).
- •St Francis Xavier's College is the larger school with 959 students compared with 79.
- •Novoschool is a independent 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 Novoschool better than St Francis Xavier's College?
On the Success Index, St Francis Xavier's College ranks higher (84.6 vs 79.7 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 Novoschool and St Francis Xavier's College?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Newcastle West and Hamilton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Novoschool has 7.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Francis Xavier's College has 10.5.
How do Novoschool and St Francis Xavier's College rank in NSW?
Novoschool is unranked and St Francis Xavier's College is 9th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.