Shell Cove Public School vs Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Shell Cove Public School
Shell Cove · Government primary · K-6
463 students · ICSEA 1049
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
Shellharbour · Catholic primary · K-6
405 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | Shell Cove Public School Shell Cove NSW | Stella Maris Catholic Primary School Shellharbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #722 of 1,619 | #511 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2198 of 4,908 | #1555 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 463 | 405 |
| Girls / boys | 224 / 239 | 214 / 191 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 57 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1049 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 26.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.8 | 8.0 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 8% |
| Suburb | Shell Cove 2529 | Shellharbour 2529 |
| Council area | Shellharbour | Shellharbour |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | shellcove-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.smsdow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (64.0 vs 56.7).
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1050 vs 1049), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.5 vs 18.2).
- •Shell Cove Public School is the larger school with 463 students compared with 405.
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (13% vs -11%).
- •Shell Cove Public School is a government school while Stella Maris Catholic 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 Campbelltown
Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Cove Public School better than Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Stella Maris Catholic Primary School ranks higher (64.0 vs 56.7 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 Shell Cove Public School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Shell Cove and Shellharbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Shell Cove Public School has 18.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has 15.5.
How do Shell Cove Public School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Shell Cove Public School is 722nd of 1,619 and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School is 511th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.