St Mary's Cathedral College vs Sydney Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 415 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 Grammar School
Darlinghurst · Independent combined · K-12
1,925 students · ICSEA 1274
| Measure | St Mary's Cathedral College Sydney NSW | Sydney Grammar School Darlinghurst NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 84 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #63 of 314 | #17 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #182 of 1,259 | #54 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 937 | 1,925 |
| Girls / boys | 127 / 810 | 0 / 1,925 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | 155 | 200 |
| Year 12 cohort | 112 | 199 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1125 | 1274 |
| ICSEA percentile | 90th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 49% | 93% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 0% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 9.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.3 | 209.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.5 | 103.8 |
| Language background other than English | 61% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Sydney 2000 | Darlinghurst 2010 |
| Council area | Sydney | Sydney |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | smccsydney.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.sydgram.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sydney Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (83.8 vs 74.9).
- •Sydney Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1274 vs 1125), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sydney Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (9.2 vs 13.0).
- •Sydney Grammar School is the larger school with 1,925 students compared with 937.
- •St Mary's Cathedral College has grown faster over five years (18% vs 2%).
- •St Mary's Cathedral College is a catholic school while Sydney Grammar School is an independent 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 Grammar School?
On the Success Index, Sydney Grammar School ranks higher (83.8 vs 74.9 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 Grammar School?
About 415 m in a straight line, between Sydney and Darlinghurst 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 Grammar School has 9.2.
How do St Mary's Cathedral College and Sydney Grammar School rank in NSW?
St Mary's Cathedral College is 63rd of 314 and Sydney Grammar School is 17th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.