Penrith Christian School vs St Mary MacKillop Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 696 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penrith Christian School
Orchard Hills · Independent combined · K-12
744 students · ICSEA 1047
St Mary MacKillop Primary School
South Penrith · Catholic primary · K-6
398 students · ICSEA 1040
| Measure | Penrith Christian School Orchard Hills NSW | St Mary MacKillop Primary School South Penrith NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #191 of 314 | #647 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #606 of 1,259 | #1979 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 744 | 398 |
| Girls / boys | 366 / 378 | 213 / 185 |
| Foundation intake | 55 | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 94 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 45 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1047 | 1040 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.8 | 27.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.2 | 14.2 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 6% |
| Suburb | Orchard Hills 2748 | South Penrith 2750 |
| Council area | Penrith | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pcs.nsw.edu.au | www.mackilloppenrith.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary MacKillop Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (59.4 vs 52.2).
- •Penrith Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1047 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penrith Christian School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.5).
- •Penrith Christian School is the larger school with 744 students compared with 398.
- •Penrith Christian School is a independent school while St Mary MacKillop 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 Penrith Christian School better than St Mary MacKillop Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Mary MacKillop Primary School ranks higher (59.4 vs 52.2 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 Penrith Christian School and St Mary MacKillop Primary School?
About 696 m in a straight line, between Orchard Hills and South Penrith in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penrith Christian School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary MacKillop Primary School has 14.5.
How do Penrith Christian School and St Mary MacKillop Primary School rank in NSW?
Penrith Christian School is 191st of 314 and St Mary MacKillop Primary School is 647th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.