St Michael's Catholic Primary School vs Waniora Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Michael's Catholic Primary School
Thirroul · Catholic primary · K-6
183 students · ICSEA 1130
Waniora Public School
Bulli · Government primary · K-6
264 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | St Michael's Catholic Primary School Thirroul NSW | Waniora Public School Bulli NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #76 of 1,619 | #355 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #294 of 4,908 | #1144 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 183 | 264 |
| Girls / boys | 91 / 92 | 110 / 154 |
| Foundation intake | 29 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1130 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 49% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 18.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 5.6 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Thirroul 2515 | Bulli 2516 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smtdow.catholic.edu.au | waniora-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (78.4 vs 68.7).
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1130 vs 1077), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Waniora Public School is the larger school with 264 students compared with 183.
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -16%).
- •St Michael's Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Waniora 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 Michael's Catholic Primary School better than Waniora Public School?
On the Success Index, St Michael's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (78.4 vs 68.7 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 Michael's Catholic Primary School and Waniora Public School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Thirroul and Bulli in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Michael's Catholic Primary School has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Waniora Public School has 14.6.
How do St Michael's Catholic Primary School and Waniora Public School rank in NSW?
St Michael's Catholic Primary School is 76th of 1,619 and Waniora Public School is 355th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.