Nowra Christian School vs St Michael's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nowra Christian School
Nowra · Independent combined · K-12
572 students · ICSEA 1033
St Michael's Catholic Primary School
Nowra · Catholic primary · K-6
537 students · ICSEA 994
| Measure | Nowra Christian School Nowra NSW | St Michael's Catholic Primary School Nowra NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #202 of 314 | #1023 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #635 of 1,259 | #3191 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 572 | 537 |
| Girls / boys | 295 / 277 | 281 / 256 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 85 |
| Year 7 cohort | 71 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 24 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +32% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1033 | 994 |
| ICSEA percentile | 61th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 25% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 47.3 | 35.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.6 | 29.9 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 15% |
| Suburb | Nowra 2541 | Nowra 2541 |
| Council area | Shoalhaven | Shoalhaven |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ncs.nsw.edu.au | www.smndow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Nowra Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (50.9 vs 43.4).
- •Nowra Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1033 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nowra Christian School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.3).
- •Nowra Christian School is the larger school with 572 students compared with 537.
- •Nowra Christian School has grown faster over five years (32% vs -1%).
- •Nowra Christian School is a independent school while St Michael'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 Nowra Christian School better than St Michael's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Nowra Christian School ranks higher (50.9 vs 43.4 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 Nowra Christian School and St Michael's Catholic Primary School?
About 3.9 km in a straight line, between Nowra and Nowra in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nowra Christian School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's Catholic Primary School has 15.3.
How do Nowra Christian School and St Michael's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Nowra Christian School is 202nd of 314 and St Michael's Catholic Primary School is 1023rd of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.