Novoschool vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two 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 Joseph's Primary School
Merewether · Catholic primary · K-6
387 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Novoschool Newcastle West NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Merewether NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 10% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #361 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1155 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-9 | K-6 |
| Students | 79 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 36 / 43 | 189 / 198 |
| Foundation intake | – | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 36 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1077 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 39% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 7.9 | 18.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.6 | 5.9 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 2% |
| Suburb | Newcastle West 2302 | Merewether 2291 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.novoschool.nsw.edu.au/ | merewether.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Novoschool scores higher on the Success Index (79.7 vs 68.5).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1077), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Novoschool has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 18.5).
- •St Joseph's Primary School is the larger school with 387 students compared with 79.
- •Novoschool is a independent 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 Novoschool better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Novoschool ranks higher (79.7 vs 68.5 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 Joseph's Primary School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Newcastle West and Merewether in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Novoschool has 7.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 18.5.
How do Novoschool and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Novoschool is unranked and St Joseph's Primary School is 361st of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.