Northern Christian School vs St Paul's Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Tasmania, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northern Christian School
Bridgewater · Independent primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 952
St Paul's Catholic School
Bridgewater · Catholic primary · Prep-6
178 students · ICSEA 895
| Measure | Northern Christian School Bridgewater TAS | St Paul's Catholic School Bridgewater TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 27 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #83 of 132 | #105 of 132 |
| National rank (type) | #3795 of 4,908 | #4395 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 149 | 178 |
| Girls / boys | 68 / 81 | 89 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 895 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 9.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 18.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 12.9 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 29% |
| Suburb | Bridgewater 7030 | Bridgewater 7030 |
| Council area | Brighton | Brighton |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.northern.tas.edu.au/ | www.stpauls.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northern Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (34.7 vs 26.5).
- •Northern Christian School has the higher ICSEA (952 vs 895), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Paul's Catholic School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 14.6).
- •St Paul's Catholic School is the larger school with 178 students compared with 149.
- •St Paul's Catholic School has grown faster over five years (7% vs 0%).
- •Northern Christian School is a independent school while St Paul's 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 Northern Christian School better than St Paul's Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Northern Christian School ranks higher (34.7 vs 26.5 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 Northern Christian School and St Paul's Catholic School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Bridgewater and Bridgewater in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northern Christian School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Paul's Catholic School has 9.8.
How do Northern Christian School and St Paul's Catholic School rank in TAS?
Northern Christian School is 83rd of 132 and St Paul's Catholic School is 105th of 132 among primary schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.