St Mary's Catholic Primary School vs Stella Maris College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 974 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Manly · Catholic primary · K-6
330 students · ICSEA 1159
Stella Maris College
Manly · Independent high school · 7-12
1,006 students · ICSEA 1135
| Measure | St Mary's Catholic Primary School Manly NSW | Stella Maris College Manly NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 5% | 87 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 1,619 | #3 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #186 of 4,908 | #6 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 330 | 1,006 |
| Girls / boys | 179 / 151 | 1,006 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 51 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 184 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1159 | 1135 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 65% | 53% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 16.9 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.5 | 90.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 43.9 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Manly 2095 | Manly 2095 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smmdbb.catholic.edu.au | stellamaris.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Stella Maris College scores higher on the Success Index (86.8 vs 80.1).
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1159 vs 1135), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Stella Maris College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 16.9).
- •Stella Maris College is the larger school with 1,006 students compared with 330.
- •St Mary's Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Stella Maris College 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 Catholic Primary School better than Stella Maris College?
On the Success Index, Stella Maris College ranks higher (86.8 vs 80.1 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 Primary School and Stella Maris College?
About 974 m in a straight line, between Manly and Manly in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School has 16.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Stella Maris College has 11.1.
How do St Mary's Catholic Primary School and Stella Maris College rank in NSW?
St Mary's Catholic Primary School is 43rd of 1,619 and Stella Maris College is 3rd of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.