North West Christian School vs Sacred Heart Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasmania, 9.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
North West Christian School
Penguin · Independent combined · Prep-12
123 students · ICSEA 985
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Ulverstone · Catholic primary · Prep-6
246 students · ICSEA 1003
| Measure | North West Christian School Penguin TAS | Sacred Heart Catholic School Ulverstone TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 51 | #47 of 132 |
| National rank (type) | #694 of 1,259 | #2703 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 123 | 246 |
| Girls / boys | 56 / 67 | 123 / 123 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | 18 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 2 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +78% | +22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 985 | 1003 |
| ICSEA percentile | 40th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 9.4 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 15.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.8 | 16.9 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 15% |
| Suburb | Penguin 7316 | Ulverstone 7315 |
| Council area | Central Coast (Tas.) | Central Coast (Tas.) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | northwestchristianschool.com.au/ | www.shu.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sacred Heart Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (49.8 vs 48.0).
- •Sacred Heart Catholic School has the higher ICSEA (1003 vs 985), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •North West Christian School has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 15.5).
- •Sacred Heart Catholic School is the larger school with 246 students compared with 123.
- •North West Christian School has grown faster over five years (78% vs 22%).
- •North West Christian School is a independent school while Sacred Heart 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 North West Christian School better than Sacred Heart Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Sacred Heart Catholic School ranks higher (49.8 vs 48.0 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 North West Christian School and Sacred Heart Catholic School?
About 9.6 km in a straight line, between Penguin and Ulverstone in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
North West Christian School has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sacred Heart Catholic School has 15.5.
How do North West Christian School and Sacred Heart Catholic School rank in TAS?
North West Christian School is 19th of 51 and Sacred Heart Catholic School is 47th of 132 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.