Salt Ash Public School vs Wirreanda Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 5.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Salt Ash Public School
Salt Ash · Government primary · K-6
142 students · ICSEA 904
Wirreanda Public School
Medowie · Government primary · K-6
530 students · ICSEA 988
| Measure | Salt Ash Public School Salt Ash NSW | Wirreanda Public School Medowie NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1521 of 1,619 | #1131 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4614 of 4,908 | #3537 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 142 | 530 |
| Girls / boys | 69 / 73 | 266 / 264 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 76 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +54% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 904 | 988 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 41th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 60% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 16.7 | 16.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.5 | 31.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.6 | 5.0 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 32% | 17% |
| Suburb | Salt Ash 2318 | Medowie 2318 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | saltash-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | wirreanda-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Wirreanda Public School scores higher on the Success Index (38.5 vs 23.2).
- •Wirreanda Public School has the higher ICSEA (988 vs 904), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wirreanda Public School is the larger school with 530 students compared with 142.
- •Salt Ash Public School has grown faster over five years (54% vs -14%).
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 Salt Ash Public School better than Wirreanda Public School?
On the Success Index, Wirreanda Public School ranks higher (38.5 vs 23.2 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 Salt Ash Public School and Wirreanda Public School?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Salt Ash and Medowie in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Salt Ash Public School has 16.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wirreanda Public School has 16.9.
How do Salt Ash Public School and Wirreanda Public School rank in NSW?
Salt Ash Public School is 1521st of 1,619 and Wirreanda Public School is 1131st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.