St Mary's Primary School vs Urunga Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 13 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's Primary School
Bellingen · Catholic primary · K-6
123 students · ICSEA 1039
Urunga Public School
Urunga · Government primary · K-6
179 students · ICSEA 974
| Measure | St Mary's Primary School Bellingen NSW | Urunga Public School Urunga NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #592 of 1,619 | #1122 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1811 of 4,908 | #3510 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 123 | 179 |
| Girls / boys | 49 / 74 | 78 / 101 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1039 | 974 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.8 | 12.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.3 | 2.1 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 20% |
| Suburb | Bellingen 2454 | Urunga 2455 |
| Council area | Bellingen | Bellingen |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stmarysbellingen.nsw.edu.au/ | urunga-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (61.4 vs 38.9).
- •St Mary's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1039 vs 974), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 14.8).
- •Urunga Public School is the larger school with 179 students compared with 123.
- •St Mary's Primary School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -22%).
- •St Mary's Primary School is a catholic school while Urunga 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 Primary School better than Urunga Public School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's Primary School ranks higher (61.4 vs 38.9 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 Primary School and Urunga Public School?
About 13 km in a straight line, between Bellingen and Urunga in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's Primary School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Urunga Public School has 14.8.
How do St Mary's Primary School and Urunga Public School rank in NSW?
St Mary's Primary School is 592nd of 1,619 and Urunga Public School is 1122nd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.