St Joseph's Primary School vs Wollongbar Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's Primary School
Alstonville · Catholic primary · K-6
187 students · ICSEA 1045
Wollongbar Public School
Wollongbar · Government primary · K-6
243 students · ICSEA 1028
| Measure | St Joseph's Primary School Alstonville NSW | Wollongbar Public School Wollongbar NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #615 of 1,619 | #840 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1874 of 4,908 | #2560 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 187 | 243 |
| Girls / boys | 97 / 90 | 107 / 136 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 34 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1028 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 16.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.0 | 14.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.4 | 2.5 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 6% |
| Suburb | Alstonville 2477 | Wollongbar 2477 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.alstplism.catholic.edu.au | wollongbar-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 52.0).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1028), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.6 vs 16.9).
- •Wollongbar Public School is the larger school with 243 students compared with 187.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -16%).
- •St Joseph's Primary School is a catholic school while Wollongbar 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 Joseph's Primary School better than Wollongbar Public School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (60.7 vs 52.0 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 Joseph's Primary School and Wollongbar Public School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Alstonville and Wollongbar in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's Primary School has 15.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wollongbar Public School has 16.9.
How do St Joseph's Primary School and Wollongbar Public School rank in NSW?
St Joseph's Primary School is 615th of 1,619 and Wollongbar Public School is 840th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.