St Columba's Catholic College vs Winmalee High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 2.6 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
Winmalee High School
Winmalee · Government high school · 7-12
698 students · ICSEA 1040
| Measure | St Columba's Catholic College Springwood NSW | Winmalee High School Winmalee NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #85 of 539 | #250 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #234 of 1,472 | #662 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,112 | 698 |
| Girls / boys | 554 / 558 | 355 / 343 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 209 | 110 |
| Year 12 cohort | 166 | 102 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1088 | 1040 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 22% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.3 | 54.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.2 | 11.7 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 6% |
| Suburb | Springwood 2777 | Winmalee 2777 |
| Council area | Blue Mountains | Blue Mountains |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stcolumbasspringwood.catholic.edu.au | winmalee-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba's Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.1 vs 53.8).
- •St Columba's Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1088 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's Catholic College is the larger school with 1,112 students compared with 698.
- •St Columba's Catholic College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -18%).
- •St Columba's Catholic College is a catholic school while Winmalee High 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 Columba's Catholic College better than Winmalee High School?
On the Success Index, St Columba's Catholic College ranks higher (72.1 vs 53.8 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 Winmalee High School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Springwood and Winmalee 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 Winmalee High School has 12.8.
How do St Columba's Catholic College and Winmalee High School rank in NSW?
St Columba's Catholic College is 85th of 539 and Winmalee High School is 250th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.