Circular Head Christian School vs St Peter Chanel Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasmania, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Circular Head Christian School
Smithton · Independent combined · Prep-12
265 students · ICSEA 903
St Peter Chanel Catholic School
Smithton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
125 students · ICSEA 889
| Measure | Circular Head Christian School Smithton TAS | St Peter Chanel Catholic School Smithton TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #49 of 51 | #102 of 132 |
| National rank (type) | #1157 of 1,259 | #4297 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 265 | 125 |
| Girls / boys | 144 / 121 | 53 / 72 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | 26 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 13 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 903 | 889 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 9th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 11.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.7 | 10.5 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 33% | 42% |
| Suburb | Smithton 7330 | Smithton 7330 |
| Council area | Circular Head | Circular Head |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.chcs.tas.edu.au | stpeterchanel.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Peter Chanel Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (27.8 vs 26.3).
- •Circular Head Christian School has the higher ICSEA (903 vs 889), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Peter Chanel Catholic School has fewer students per teacher (10.5 vs 13.1).
- •Circular Head Christian School is the larger school with 265 students compared with 125.
- •Circular Head Christian School has grown faster over five years (30% vs 1%).
- •Circular Head Christian School is a independent school while St Peter Chanel Catholic School is a catholic 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 Circular Head Christian School better than St Peter Chanel Catholic School?
On the Success Index, St Peter Chanel Catholic School ranks higher (27.8 vs 26.3 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 Circular Head Christian School and St Peter Chanel Catholic School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Smithton and Smithton in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Circular Head Christian School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Peter Chanel Catholic School has 10.5.
How do Circular Head Christian School and St Peter Chanel Catholic School rank in TAS?
Circular Head Christian School is 49th of 51 and St Peter Chanel Catholic School is 102nd of 132 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.