Sacred Heart College vs St James Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Tasmania, 38 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sacred Heart College
New Town · Catholic combined · Prep-10
934 students · ICSEA 1017
St James Catholic College
Cygnet · Catholic combined · Prep-10
218 students · ICSEA 889
| Measure | Sacred Heart College New Town TAS | St James Catholic College Cygnet TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 51 | #48 of 51 |
| National rank (type) | #757 of 1,259 | #1155 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-10 | Prep-10 |
| Students | 934 | 218 |
| Girls / boys | 480 / 454 | 111 / 107 |
| Foundation intake | 54 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | 134 | 38 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 889 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 9th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 56% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 74.8 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.7 | 14.0 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 42% |
| Suburb | New Town 7008 | Cygnet 7112 |
| Council area | Hobart | Huon Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.shc.tas.edu.au | www.sjcc.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sacred Heart College scores higher on the Success Index (45.4 vs 26.4).
- •Sacred Heart College has the higher ICSEA (1017 vs 889), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St James Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 12.5).
- •Sacred Heart College is the larger school with 934 students compared with 218.
- •Sacred Heart College has grown faster over five years (6% vs -23%).
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 Sacred Heart College better than St James Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Sacred Heart College ranks higher (45.4 vs 26.4 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 Sacred Heart College and St James Catholic College?
About 38 km in a straight line, between New Town and Cygnet in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sacred Heart College has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James Catholic College has 10.4.
How do Sacred Heart College and St James Catholic College rank in TAS?
Sacred Heart College is 24th of 51 and St James Catholic College is 48th of 51 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.