St Mary's Cathedral College vs Sydney Distance Education High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 645 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Cathedral College
Sydney · Catholic combined · K-12
937 students · ICSEA 1125
Sydney Distance Education High School
Woolloomooloo · Government high school · 7-12
615 students · ICSEA 1032
| Measure | St Mary's Cathedral College Sydney NSW | Sydney Distance Education High School Woolloomooloo NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 314 | #128 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #182 of 1,259 | #317 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 937 | 615 |
| Girls / boys | 127 / 810 | 370 / 245 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 155 | 7 |
| Year 12 cohort | 112 | 107 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1125 | 1032 |
| ICSEA percentile | 90th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 49% | 27% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 3.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.3 | 166.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.5 | 25.3 |
| Language background other than English | 61% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 12% |
| Suburb | Sydney 2000 | Woolloomooloo 2011 |
| Council area | Sydney | Sydney |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | smccsydney.syd.catholic.edu.au | sydneyh-d.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Cathedral College scores higher on the Success Index (74.9 vs 68.4).
- •St Mary's Cathedral College has the higher ICSEA (1125 vs 1032), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sydney Distance Education High School has fewer students per teacher (3.4 vs 13.0).
- •St Mary's Cathedral College is the larger school with 937 students compared with 615.
- •St Mary's Cathedral College has grown faster over five years (18% vs 6%).
- •St Mary's Cathedral College is a catholic school while Sydney Distance Education 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 Mary's Cathedral College better than Sydney Distance Education High School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Cathedral College ranks higher (74.9 vs 68.4 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 Mary's Cathedral College and Sydney Distance Education High School?
About 645 m in a straight line, between Sydney and Woolloomooloo in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Cathedral College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sydney Distance Education High School has 3.4.
How do St Mary's Cathedral College and Sydney Distance Education High School rank in NSW?
St Mary's Cathedral College is 63rd of 314 and Sydney Distance Education High School is 128th of 539 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.