Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School vs Wilsons Creek Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School
Mullumbimby · Independent combined · K-12
587 students · ICSEA 1070
Wilsons Creek Public School
Mullumbimby · Government primary · K-6
23 students · ICSEA 1041
| Measure | Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School Mullumbimby NSW | Wilsons Creek Public School Mullumbimby NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #154 of 314 | – |
| National rank (type) | #482 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 587 | 23 |
| Girls / boys | 315 / 272 | 7 / 16 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 2 |
| Year 7 cohort | 50 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 34 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1070 | 1041 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.6 | 1.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.1 | 1.1 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 4% |
| Suburb | Mullumbimby 2482 | Mullumbimby 2482 |
| Council area | Byron | Byron |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.shearwater.nsw.edu.au | wilsonscrk-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Wilsons Creek Public School scores higher on the Success Index (60.1 vs 58.8).
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1070 vs 1041), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 15.3).
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School is the larger school with 587 students compared with 23.
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School is a independent school while Wilsons Creek Public School is a government 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 Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School better than Wilsons Creek Public School?
On the Success Index, Wilsons Creek Public School ranks higher (60.1 vs 58.8 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 Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School and Wilsons Creek Public School?
About 3.6 km in a straight line, between Mullumbimby and Mullumbimby in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wilsons Creek Public School has 15.3.
How do Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School and Wilsons Creek Public School rank in NSW?
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School is 154th of 314 and Wilsons Creek Public School is unranked among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.