St Mary's Catholic College vs Wiripaang Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 424 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Catholic College
Gateshead · Catholic high school · 7-12
989 students · ICSEA 1062
Wiripaang Public School
Gateshead · Government primary · K-6
182 students · ICSEA 853
| Measure | St Mary's Catholic College Gateshead NSW | Wiripaang Public School Gateshead NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #75 of 539 | #1502 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #211 of 1,472 | #4566 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 989 | 182 |
| Girls / boys | 497 / 492 | 79 / 103 |
| Foundation intake | – | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | 206 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 125 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1062 | 853 |
| ICSEA percentile | 73th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 72% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 10.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 82.6 | 17.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 7.1 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 37% |
| Suburb | Gateshead 2290 | Gateshead 2290 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gatesheadsm.catholic.edu.au | wiripaang-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (73.0 vs 24.0).
- •St Mary's Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1062 vs 853), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wiripaang Public School has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 12.0).
- •St Mary's Catholic College is the larger school with 989 students compared with 182.
- •St Mary's Catholic College has grown faster over five years (15% vs -8%).
- •St Mary's Catholic College is a catholic school while Wiripaang 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 Mary's Catholic College better than Wiripaang Public School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Catholic College ranks higher (73.0 vs 24.0 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 Mary's Catholic College and Wiripaang Public School?
About 424 m in a straight line, between Gateshead and Gateshead in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Catholic College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wiripaang Public School has 10.7.
How do St Mary's Catholic College and Wiripaang Public School rank in NSW?
St Mary's Catholic College is 75th of 539 and Wiripaang Public School is 1502nd of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.