St Thomas' Catholic Primary School vs Willoughby Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 691 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School
Willoughby · Catholic primary · K-6
277 students · ICSEA 1161
Willoughby Public School
Willoughby · Government primary · K-6
905 students · ICSEA 1143
| Measure | St Thomas' Catholic Primary School Willoughby NSW | Willoughby Public School Willoughby NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #136 of 1,619 | #236 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #531 of 4,908 | #816 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 277 | 905 |
| Girls / boys | 144 / 133 | 483 / 422 |
| Foundation intake | 38 | 127 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1161 | 1143 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 65% | 59% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 0% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 15.3 | 18.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 18.1 | 49.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.1 | 6.2 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 49% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Willoughby 2068 | Willoughby 2068 |
| Council area | Willoughby | Willoughby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stwdbb.catholic.edu.au | willoughby-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Thomas' Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (75.1 vs 72.2).
- •St Thomas' Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1161 vs 1143), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas' Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.3 vs 18.4).
- •Willoughby Public School is the larger school with 905 students compared with 277.
- •Willoughby Public School has grown faster over five years (-10% vs -23%).
- •St Thomas' Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while Willoughby 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 Thomas' Catholic Primary School better than Willoughby Public School?
On the Success Index, St Thomas' Catholic Primary School ranks higher (75.1 vs 72.2 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 Thomas' Catholic Primary School and Willoughby Public School?
About 691 m in a straight line, between Willoughby and Willoughby in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School has 15.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Willoughby Public School has 18.4.
How do St Thomas' Catholic Primary School and Willoughby Public School rank in NSW?
St Thomas' Catholic Primary School is 136th of 1,619 and Willoughby Public School is 236th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.