St Michael's Primary School vs Tomaree High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Michael's Primary School
Nelson Bay · Catholic primary · K-6
269 students · ICSEA 1040
Tomaree High School
Salamander Bay · Government high school · 7-12
986 students · ICSEA 970
| Measure | St Michael's Primary School Nelson Bay NSW | Tomaree High School Salamander Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #620 of 1,619 | #350 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1891 of 4,908 | #991 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 269 | 986 |
| Girls / boys | 138 / 131 | 479 / 507 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 195 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 137 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 970 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 33th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 18.5 | 81.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.8 | 21.8 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 11% |
| Suburb | Nelson Bay 2315 | Salamander Bay 2317 |
| Council area | Port Stephens | Port Stephens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | nelsonbay.catholic.edu.au | tomaree-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Michael's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (60.5 vs 38.3).
- •St Michael's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1040 vs 970), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tomaree High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.5).
- •Tomaree High School is the larger school with 986 students compared with 269.
- •St Michael's Primary School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -17%).
- •St Michael's Primary School is a catholic school while Tomaree High 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 Primary School better than Tomaree High School?
On the Success Index, St Michael's Primary School ranks higher (60.5 vs 38.3 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 Primary School and Tomaree High School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Michael's Primary School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tomaree High School has 12.0.
How do St Michael's Primary School and Tomaree High School rank in NSW?
St Michael's Primary School is 620th of 1,619 and Tomaree High School is 350th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.