PLC Armidale vs St Mary's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 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
St Mary's Primary School
Armidale · Catholic primary · K-6
327 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | PLC Armidale Armidale NSW | St Mary's Primary School Armidale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #129 of 314 | #753 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #415 of 1,259 | #2297 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 226 | 327 |
| Girls / boys | 226 / 0 | 169 / 158 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 26 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 26 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1077 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 33% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 8.3 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 27.3 | 21.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.2 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 11% |
| Suburb | Armidale 2350 | Armidale 2350 |
| Council area | Armidale | Armidale |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au/ | stmarysarmidale.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •PLC Armidale scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 55.4).
- •PLC Armidale has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1038), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •PLC Armidale has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 15.1).
- •St Mary's Primary School is the larger school with 327 students compared with 226.
- •St Mary's Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -5%).
- •PLC Armidale is a independent school while St Mary'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 PLC Armidale better than St Mary's Primary School?
On the Success Index, PLC Armidale ranks higher (62.5 vs 55.4 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 PLC Armidale and St Mary's Primary School?
About 2.1 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 St Mary's Primary School has 15.1.
How do PLC Armidale and St Mary's Primary School rank in NSW?
PLC Armidale is 129th of 314 and St Mary's Primary School is 753rd of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.