St Joseph's Primary School vs Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 198 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's Primary School
Boorowa · Catholic primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1050
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School
Shellharbour · Catholic primary · K-6
405 students · ICSEA 1050
| Measure | St Joseph's Primary School Boorowa NSW | Stella Maris Catholic Primary School Shellharbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #512 of 1,619 | #511 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1564 of 4,908 | #1555 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 95 | 405 |
| Girls / boys | 42 / 53 | 214 / 191 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | 57 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1050 | 1050 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 11.6 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.2 | 26.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.4 | 8.0 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 8% |
| Suburb | Boorowa 2586 | Shellharbour 2529 |
| Council area | Hilltops | Shellharbour |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stjboorowa.nsw.edu.au | www.smsdow.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (63.9 vs 64.0).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 15.5).
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 405 students compared with 95.
- •Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (13% vs 4%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is St Joseph's Primary School better than Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are St Joseph's Primary School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School?
About 198 km in a straight line, between Boorowa and Shellharbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's Primary School has 11.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School has 15.5.
How do St Joseph's Primary School and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
St Joseph's Primary School is 512th of 1,619 and Stella Maris Catholic Primary School is 511th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.