Tacoma Public School vs Wadalba Community School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Tacoma Public School
Tacoma · Government primary · K-6
186 students · ICSEA 938
Wadalba Community School
Wadalba · Government combined · K-12
1,414 students · ICSEA 941
| Measure | Tacoma Public School Tacoma NSW | Wadalba Community School Wadalba NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1412 of 1,619 | #312 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4308 of 4,908 | #1231 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 186 | 1,414 |
| Girls / boys | 94 / 92 | 705 / 709 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 38 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 198 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 125 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 938 | 941 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 14.9 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.5 | 106.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.0 | 24.4 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 17% |
| Suburb | Tacoma 2259 | Wadalba 2259 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | tacoma-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | wadalba-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Tacoma Public School scores higher on the Success Index (27.6 vs 21.4).
- •Wadalba Community School has the higher ICSEA (941 vs 938), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Wadalba Community School has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 14.9).
- •Wadalba Community School is the larger school with 1,414 students compared with 186.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacoma Public School better than Wadalba Community School?
On the Success Index, Tacoma Public School ranks higher (27.6 vs 21.4 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 Tacoma Public School and Wadalba Community School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Tacoma and Wadalba in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Tacoma Public School has 14.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Wadalba Community School has 13.2.
How do Tacoma Public School and Wadalba Community School rank in NSW?
Tacoma Public School is 1412th of 1,619 and Wadalba Community School is 312th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.