St Columban's Primary School vs Tighes Hill Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Columban's Primary School
Mayfield · Catholic primary · K-6
162 students · ICSEA 1034
Tighes Hill Public School
Tighes Hill · Government primary · K-6
358 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | St Columban's Primary School Mayfield NSW | Tighes Hill Public School Tighes Hill NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #672 of 1,619 | #268 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #2052 of 4,908 | #914 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 162 | 358 |
| Girls / boys | 77 / 85 | 164 / 194 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1034 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 17.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 20.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.6 | 2.8 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 6% |
| Suburb | Mayfield 2304 | Tighes Hill 2297 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | mayfieldsc.catholic.edu.au | tigheshill-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Tighes Hill Public School scores higher on the Success Index (71.1 vs 58.5).
- •Tighes Hill Public School has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1034), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columban's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.9 vs 17.2).
- •Tighes Hill Public School is the larger school with 358 students compared with 162.
- •St Columban's Primary School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -2%).
- •St Columban's Primary School is a catholic school while Tighes Hill 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 Columban's Primary School better than Tighes Hill Public School?
On the Success Index, Tighes Hill Public School ranks higher (71.1 vs 58.5 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 Columban's Primary School and Tighes Hill Public School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Mayfield and Tighes Hill in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Columban's Primary School has 15.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tighes Hill Public School has 17.2.
How do St Columban's Primary School and Tighes Hill Public School rank in NSW?
St Columban's Primary School is 672nd of 1,619 and Tighes Hill Public School is 268th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.