Sathya Sai College vs St Joseph's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 800 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sathya Sai College
Murwillumbah · Independent combined · K-12
280 students · ICSEA 1046
St Joseph's Primary School
South Murwillumbah · Catholic primary · K-6
161 students · ICSEA 1011
| Measure | Sathya Sai College Murwillumbah NSW | St Joseph's Primary School South Murwillumbah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #166 of 314 | #837 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #517 of 1,259 | #2553 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 280 | 161 |
| Girls / boys | 146 / 134 | 74 / 87 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | 36 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 12 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +14% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1046 | 1011 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 52th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 9.4 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.7 | 12.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 4.8 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Murwillumbah 2484 | South Murwillumbah 2484 |
| Council area | Tweed | Tweed |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.sathyasai.nsw.edu.au | www.smurplism.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Sathya Sai College scores higher on the Success Index (56.6 vs 52.1).
- •Sathya Sai College has the higher ICSEA (1046 vs 1011), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sathya Sai College has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 12.8).
- •Sathya Sai College is the larger school with 280 students compared with 161.
- •Sathya Sai College is a independent school while St Joseph'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 Sathya Sai College better than St Joseph's Primary School?
On the Success Index, Sathya Sai College ranks higher (56.6 vs 52.1 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 Sathya Sai College and St Joseph's Primary School?
About 800 m in a straight line, between Murwillumbah and South Murwillumbah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sathya Sai College has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's Primary School has 12.8.
How do Sathya Sai College and St Joseph's Primary School rank in NSW?
Sathya Sai College is 166th of 314 and St Joseph's Primary School is 837th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.