Nulkaba Public School vs St Patrick's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nulkaba Public School
Nulkaba · Government primary · K-6
389 students · ICSEA 931
St Patrick's Primary School
Cessnock · Catholic primary · K-6
347 students · ICSEA 975
| Measure | Nulkaba Public School Nulkaba NSW | St Patrick's Primary School Cessnock NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 22 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1546 of 1,619 | #1254 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4675 of 4,908 | #3883 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 389 | 347 |
| Girls / boys | 167 / 222 | 161 / 186 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | 50 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 931 | 975 |
| ICSEA percentile | 18th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 15.4 | 16.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.2 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.2 | 12.3 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 18% |
| Suburb | Nulkaba 2325 | Cessnock 2325 |
| Council area | Cessnock | Cessnock |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | nulkaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ | cessnock.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Patrick's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (33.4 vs 22.1).
- •St Patrick's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (975 vs 931), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nulkaba Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.4 vs 16.4).
- •Nulkaba Public School is the larger school with 389 students compared with 347.
- •St Patrick's Primary School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -2%).
- •Nulkaba Public School is a government school while St Patrick'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 Nulkaba Public School better than St Patrick's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Patrick's Primary School ranks higher (33.4 vs 22.1 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 Nulkaba Public School and St Patrick's Primary School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Nulkaba and Cessnock in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nulkaba Public School has 15.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's Primary School has 16.4.
How do Nulkaba Public School and St Patrick's Primary School rank in NSW?
Nulkaba Public School is 1546th of 1,619 and St Patrick's Primary School is 1254th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.