Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 463 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School
East Lismore · Catholic primary · K-6
189 students · ICSEA 1001
St Joseph's Primary School
Merriwa · Catholic primary · K-6
49 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School East Lismore NSW | St Joseph's Primary School Merriwa NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #941 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #2906 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 189 | 49 |
| Girls / boys | 77 / 112 | 24 / 25 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 7 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 6.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.0 | 7.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 2.8 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 6% |
| Suburb | East Lismore 2480 | Merriwa 2329 |
| Council area | Lismore | Upper Hunter |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.lisslism.catholic.edu.au | merriwa.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (50.4 vs 47.1).
- •Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 1000), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (6.5 vs 11.8).
- •Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School is the larger school with 189 students compared with 49.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -17%).
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 Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (50.4 vs 47.1 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 Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 463 km in a straight line, between East Lismore and Merriwa in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 6.5.
How do Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School is 941st of 1,619 and St Joseph's Primary School is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.