St Joseph's Primary School vs The Junction Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 322 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's Primary School
Merewether · Catholic primary · K-6
387 students · ICSEA 1141
The Junction Public School
Merewether · Government primary · K-6
450 students · ICSEA 1115
| Measure | St Joseph's Primary School Merewether NSW | The Junction Public School Merewether NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #361 of 1,619 | #508 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1155 of 4,908 | #1533 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 387 | 450 |
| Girls / boys | 189 / 198 | 215 / 235 |
| Foundation intake | 48 | 62 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1115 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 18.5 | 18.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.9 | 24.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.9 | 3.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 6% |
| Suburb | Merewether 2291 | Merewether 2291 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | merewether.catholic.edu.au | thejunctio-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (68.5 vs 64.2).
- •St Joseph's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1115), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Junction Public School is the larger school with 450 students compared with 387.
- •St Joseph's Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -17%).
- •St Joseph's Primary School is a catholic school while The Junction 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 The Junction Public School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's Primary School ranks higher (68.5 vs 64.2 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 The Junction Public School?
About 322 m in a straight line, between Merewether and Merewether in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's Primary School has 18.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Junction Public School has 18.4.
How do St Joseph's Primary School and The Junction Public School rank in NSW?
St Joseph's Primary School is 361st of 1,619 and The Junction Public School is 508th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.