Rutherford Public School vs St Paul's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Rutherford Public School
Rutherford · Government primary · K-6
1,007 students · ICSEA 933
St Paul's Primary School
Rutherford · Catholic primary · K-6
370 students · ICSEA 996
| Measure | Rutherford Public School Rutherford NSW | St Paul's Primary School Rutherford NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1568 of 1,619 | #1151 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4730 of 4,908 | #3610 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,007 | 370 |
| Girls / boys | 489 / 518 | 185 / 185 |
| Foundation intake | 139 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 933 | 996 |
| ICSEA percentile | 19th | 45th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 17.8 | 16.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.7 | 22.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.9 | 10.0 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 13% |
| Suburb | Rutherford 2320 | Rutherford 2320 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | rutherford-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | rutherford.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Paul's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (37.4 vs 21.0).
- •St Paul's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (996 vs 933), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Paul's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (16.5 vs 17.8).
- •Rutherford Public School is the larger school with 1,007 students compared with 370.
- •Rutherford Public School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -4%).
- •Rutherford Public School is a government school while St Paul'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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutherford Public School better than St Paul's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Paul's Primary School ranks higher (37.4 vs 21.0 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 Rutherford Public School and St Paul's Primary School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Rutherford and Rutherford in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Rutherford Public School has 17.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Paul's Primary School has 16.5.
How do Rutherford Public School and St Paul's Primary School rank in NSW?
Rutherford Public School is 1568th of 1,619 and St Paul's Primary School is 1151st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.