St Ambrose Catholic Primary School vs The McDonald College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 941 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School
Concord West · Catholic primary · K-6
484 students · ICSEA 1133
The McDonald College
North Strathfield · Independent combined · 1-12
265 students · ICSEA 1123
| Measure | St Ambrose Catholic Primary School Concord West NSW | The McDonald College North Strathfield NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #231 of 1,619 | #60 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #805 of 4,908 | #172 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | 1-12 |
| Students | 484 | 265 |
| Girls / boys | 242 / 242 | 159 / 106 |
| Foundation intake | 87 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 30 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 60 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +19% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 1123 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 53% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 19.0 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.5 | 27.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.6 | 21.5 |
| Language background other than English | 74% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Concord West 2138 | North Strathfield 2137 |
| Council area | Canada Bay | Canada Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | stambconcord.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The McDonald College scores higher on the Success Index (75.5 vs 72.3).
- •St Ambrose Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1133 vs 1123), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The McDonald College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 19.0).
- •St Ambrose Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 484 students compared with 265.
- •St Ambrose Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (19% vs -9%).
- •St Ambrose Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while The McDonald College 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 St Ambrose Catholic Primary School better than The McDonald College?
On the Success Index, The McDonald College ranks higher (75.5 vs 72.3 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 St Ambrose Catholic Primary School and The McDonald College?
About 941 m in a straight line, between Concord West and North Strathfield in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School has 19.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The McDonald College has 9.7.
How do St Ambrose Catholic Primary School and The McDonald College rank in NSW?
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School is 231st of 1,619 and The McDonald College is 60th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.