Shoal Bay Public School vs Tomaree High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 5.8 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
Tomaree High School
Salamander Bay · Government high school · 7-12
986 students · ICSEA 970
| Measure | Shoal Bay Public School Shoal Bay NSW | Tomaree High School Salamander Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1471 of 1,619 | #350 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #4481 of 4,908 | #991 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 237 | 986 |
| Girls / boys | 113 / 124 | 479 / 507 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 195 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 137 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -39% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 970 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 33th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 17.3 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 81.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.6 | 21.8 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 11% |
| 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 | tomaree-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Tomaree High School scores higher on the Success Index (38.3 vs 25.2).
- •Tomaree High School has the higher ICSEA (970 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tomaree High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 17.3).
- •Tomaree High School is the larger school with 986 students compared with 237.
- •Tomaree High School has grown faster over five years (-17% vs -39%).
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 Tomaree High School?
On the Success Index, Tomaree High School ranks higher (38.3 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 Tomaree High School?
About 5.8 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 Tomaree High School has 12.0.
How do Shoal Bay Public School and Tomaree High School rank in NSW?
Shoal Bay Public School is 1471st of 1,619 and Tomaree High School is 350th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.