St Columba's Catholic College vs St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary)
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 22 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Columba's Catholic College
Springwood · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,112 students · ICSEA 1088
St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary)
Marsden Park · Catholic high school · 7-12
940 students · ICSEA 1088
| Measure | St Columba's Catholic College Springwood NSW | St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) Marsden Park NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #85 of 539 | #53 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #234 of 1,472 | #150 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,112 | 940 |
| Girls / boys | 554 / 558 | 486 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 209 | 176 |
| Year 12 cohort | 166 | 105 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | +300% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1088 | 1088 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 15.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.3 | 60.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.2 | 14.6 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 72% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 1% |
| Suburb | Springwood 2777 | Marsden Park 2765 |
| Council area | Blue Mountains | Blacktown |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au | www.stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) scores higher on the Success Index (75.7 vs 72.1).
- •St Columba's Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 15.6).
- •St Columba's Catholic College is the larger school with 1,112 students compared with 940.
- •St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) has grown faster over five years (300% vs 13%).
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 Columba's Catholic College better than St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary)?
On the Success Index, St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) ranks higher (75.7 vs 72.1 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 Columba's Catholic College and St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary)?
About 22 km in a straight line, between Springwood and Marsden Park in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Columba's Catholic College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) has 15.6.
How do St Columba's Catholic College and St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) rank in NSW?
St Columba's Catholic College is 85th of 539 and St Luke's Catholic College (Secondary) is 53rd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.