St Anthony's Catholic Primary School vs Thirlmere Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 5.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School
Picton · Catholic primary · K-6
410 students · ICSEA 1019
Thirlmere Public School
Thirlmere · Government primary · K-6
401 students · ICSEA 959
| Measure | St Anthony's Catholic Primary School Picton NSW | Thirlmere Public School Thirlmere NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1017 of 1,619 | #1368 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #3173 of 4,908 | #4209 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 410 | 401 |
| Girls / boys | 210 / 200 | 197 / 204 |
| Foundation intake | 58 | 85 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1019 | 959 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 28th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 18.1 | 18.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.7 | 21.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.2 | 2.9 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 17% |
| Suburb | Picton 2571 | Thirlmere 2572 |
| Council area | Wollondilly | Wollondilly |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.sapdow.catholic.edu.au | thirlmere-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Anthony's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (43.6 vs 28.9).
- •St Anthony's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1019 vs 959), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Anthony's Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 410 students compared with 401.
- •Thirlmere Public School has grown faster over five years (17% vs 4%).
- •St Anthony's Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Thirlmere Public School is a government 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 Anthony's Catholic Primary School better than Thirlmere Public School?
On the Success Index, St Anthony's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (43.6 vs 28.9 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 Anthony's Catholic Primary School and Thirlmere Public School?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Picton and Thirlmere in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School has 18.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thirlmere Public School has 18.3.
How do St Anthony's Catholic Primary School and Thirlmere Public School rank in NSW?
St Anthony's Catholic Primary School is 1017th of 1,619 and Thirlmere Public School is 1368th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.