St Columba's Catholic College vs St Thomas Aquinas Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 934 m 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 Thomas Aquinas Primary School
Springwood · Catholic primary · K-6
368 students · ICSEA 1095
| Measure | St Columba's Catholic College Springwood NSW | St Thomas Aquinas Primary School Springwood NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #85 of 539 | #396 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #234 of 1,472 | #1227 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,112 | 368 |
| Girls / boys | 554 / 558 | 180 / 188 |
| Foundation intake | – | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 209 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 166 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1088 | 1095 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.3 | 25.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.2 | 5.4 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 5% |
| Suburb | Springwood 2777 | Springwood 2777 |
| Council area | Blue Mountains | Blue Mountains |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au | www.staspringwood.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba's Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.1 vs 67.8).
- •St Thomas Aquinas Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1095 vs 1088), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (13.0 vs 14.7).
- •St Columba's Catholic College is the larger school with 1,112 students compared with 368.
- •St Columba's Catholic College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -22%).
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 Thomas Aquinas Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Columba's Catholic College ranks higher (72.1 vs 67.8 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 Thomas Aquinas Primary School?
About 934 m in a straight line, between Springwood and Springwood 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 Thomas Aquinas Primary School has 14.7.
How do St Columba's Catholic College and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School rank in NSW?
St Columba's Catholic College is 85th of 539 and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School is 396th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.