Prestons Public School vs Shoal Bay Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 180 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Prestons Public School
Prestons · Government primary · K-6
586 students · ICSEA 962
Shoal Bay Public School
Shoal Bay · Government primary · K-6
237 students · ICSEA 962
| Measure | Prestons Public School Prestons NSW | Shoal Bay Public School Shoal Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 25 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1376 of 1,619 | #1471 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4228 of 4,908 | #4481 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 586 | 237 |
| Girls / boys | 289 / 297 | 113 / 124 |
| Foundation intake | 77 | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | -39% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 962 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 17.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 39.1 | 13.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 2.6 |
| Language background other than English | 78% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 16% |
| Suburb | Prestons 2170 | Shoal Bay 2315 |
| Council area | Liverpool | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | prestons-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | shoalbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Prestons Public School scores higher on the Success Index (28.7 vs 25.2).
- •Prestons Public School has fewer students per teacher (15.0 vs 17.3).
- •Prestons Public School is the larger school with 586 students compared with 237.
- •Prestons Public School has grown faster over five years (-17% vs -39%).
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 Prestons Public School better than Shoal Bay Public School?
On the Success Index, Prestons Public School ranks higher (28.7 vs 25.2 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 Prestons Public School and Shoal Bay Public School?
About 180 km in a straight line, between Prestons and Shoal Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Prestons Public School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shoal Bay Public School has 17.3.
How do Prestons Public School and Shoal Bay Public School rank in NSW?
Prestons Public School is 1376th of 1,619 and Shoal Bay Public School is 1471st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.