Fahan School vs Waimea Heights Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasmania, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fahan School
Sandy Bay · Independent combined · Prep-12
419 students · ICSEA 1154
Waimea Heights Primary School
Sandy Bay · Government primary · K-6
359 students · ICSEA 1135
| Measure | Fahan School Sandy Bay TAS | Waimea Heights Primary School Sandy Bay TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 51 | #9 of 132 |
| National rank (type) | #80 of 1,259 | #525 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 419 | 359 |
| Girls / boys | 419 / 0 | 160 / 199 |
| Foundation intake | 20 | 45 |
| Year 7 cohort | 50 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 42 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1154 | 1135 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 64% | 57% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 16.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 41.3 | 21.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.1 | 13.9 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Sandy Bay 7005 | Sandy Bay 7005 |
| Council area | Hobart | Hobart |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fahan.tas.edu.au | waimeaheightsprimary.education.tas.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Fahan School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 75.2).
- •Fahan School has the higher ICSEA (1154 vs 1135), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fahan School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 16.0).
- •Fahan School is the larger school with 419 students compared with 359.
- •Fahan School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -12%).
- •Fahan School is a independent school while Waimea Heights Primary 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 Fahan School better than Waimea Heights Primary School?
On the Success Index, Fahan School ranks higher (81.6 vs 75.2 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 Fahan School and Waimea Heights Primary School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Sandy Bay and Sandy Bay in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fahan School has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Waimea Heights Primary School has 16.0.
How do Fahan School and Waimea Heights Primary School rank in TAS?
Fahan School is 1st of 51 and Waimea Heights Primary School is 9th of 132 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.