Shoal Bay Public School vs St Michael's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Shoal Bay Public School
Shoal Bay · Government primary · K-6
237 students · ICSEA 962
St Michael's Primary School
Nelson Bay · Catholic primary · K-6
269 students · ICSEA 1040
| Measure | Shoal Bay Public School Shoal Bay NSW | St Michael's Primary School Nelson Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1471 of 1,619 | #620 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4481 of 4,908 | #1891 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 237 | 269 |
| Girls / boys | 113 / 124 | 138 / 131 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -39% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 1040 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 17.3 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 18.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.6 | 6.8 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 6% |
| Suburb | Shoal Bay 2315 | Nelson Bay 2315 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | shoalbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | nelsonbay.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (60.5 vs 25.2).
- •St Michael's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1040 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Michael's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.5 vs 17.3).
- •St Michael's Primary School is the larger school with 269 students compared with 237.
- •St Michael's Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -39%).
- •Shoal Bay Public School is a government school while St Michael'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 Shoal Bay Public School better than St Michael's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Michael's Primary School ranks higher (60.5 vs 25.2 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 Shoal Bay Public School and St Michael's Primary School?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Shoal Bay Public School has 17.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's Primary School has 14.5.
How do Shoal Bay Public School and St Michael's Primary School rank in NSW?
Shoal Bay Public School is 1471st of 1,619 and St Michael's Primary School is 620th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.