PLC Armidale vs Sandon Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
PLC Armidale
Armidale · Independent combined · K-12
226 students · ICSEA 1077
Sandon Public School
Armidale · Government primary · K-6
179 students · ICSEA 923
| Measure | PLC Armidale Armidale NSW | Sandon Public School Armidale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #129 of 314 | #1268 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #415 of 1,259 | #3940 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 226 | 179 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 0 | 85 / 94 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 26 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 26 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | -31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1077 | 923 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 16th |
| Top SEA quarter | 33% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 46% |
| Students per teacher | 8.3 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 27.3 | 14.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.2 | 4.1 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 33% |
| Suburb | Armidale 2350 | Armidale 2350 |
| Council area | Armidale | Armidale |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/ | sandon-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •PLC Armidale scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 32.7).
- •PLC Armidale has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 923), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •PLC Armidale has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 12.3).
- •PLC Armidale is the larger school with 226 students compared with 179.
- •PLC Armidale has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -31%).
- •PLC Armidale is a independent school while Sandon Public School is a government 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 PLC Armidale better than Sandon Public School?
On the Success Index, PLC Armidale ranks higher (62.5 vs 32.7 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 PLC Armidale and Sandon Public School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Armidale and Armidale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
PLC Armidale has 8.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sandon Public School has 12.3.
How do PLC Armidale and Sandon Public School rank in NSW?
PLC Armidale is 129th of 314 and Sandon Public School is 1268th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.