Shoal Bay Public School vs St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 6.1 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 Philip's Christian College Gilibaa
Salamander Bay · Independent primary · K-4
30 students · ICSEA 763
| Measure | Shoal Bay Public School Shoal Bay NSW | St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa Salamander Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 13 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1471 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #4481 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-4 |
| Students | 237 | 30 |
| Girls / boys | 113 / 124 | 14 / 16 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -39% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 763 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 2th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 17.3 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 2.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.6 | 4.4 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 100% |
| Suburb | Shoal Bay 2315 | Salamander Bay 2317 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | shoalbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.spcc.nsw.edu.au/schools/tailored-education/gilibaa |
The verdict
- •Shoal Bay Public School scores higher on the Success Index (25.2 vs 12.8).
- •Shoal Bay Public School has the higher ICSEA (962 vs 763), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 17.3).
- •Shoal Bay Public School is the larger school with 237 students compared with 30.
- •Shoal Bay Public School is a government school while St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa is an independent 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 Shoal Bay Public School better than St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa?
On the Success Index, Shoal Bay Public School ranks higher (25.2 vs 12.8 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 Shoal Bay Public School and St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa?
About 6.1 km in a straight line, between Shoal Bay and Salamander 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 Philip's Christian College Gilibaa has 10.3.
How do Shoal Bay Public School and St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa rank in NSW?
Shoal Bay Public School is 1471st of 1,619 and St Philip's Christian College Gilibaa is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.