Holy Spirit Parish School vs Newtown Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit Parish School
Manifold Heights · Catholic primary · Prep-6
326 students · ICSEA 1068
Newtown Primary School
Newtown · Government primary · Prep-6
193 students · ICSEA 1076
| Measure | Holy Spirit Parish School Manifold Heights VIC | Newtown Primary School Newtown VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #365 of 1,290 | #641 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #859 of 4,908 | #1889 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 326 | 193 |
| Girls / boys | 159 / 167 | 96 / 97 |
| Foundation intake | 45 | 18 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1068 | 1076 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 16.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.9 | 11.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.5 | 6.5 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Manifold Heights 3218 | Newtown 3220 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hsmanifoldheights.catholic.edu.au | www.newtownps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit Parish School scores higher on the Success Index (71.6 vs 60.5).
- •Newtown Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1076 vs 1068), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Spirit Parish School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 16.4).
- •Holy Spirit Parish School is the larger school with 326 students compared with 193.
- •Holy Spirit Parish School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -20%).
- •Holy Spirit Parish School is a catholic school while Newtown 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 Holy Spirit Parish School better than Newtown Primary School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit Parish School ranks higher (71.6 vs 60.5 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 Holy Spirit Parish School and Newtown Primary School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Manifold Heights and Newtown in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit Parish School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newtown Primary School has 16.4.
How do Holy Spirit Parish School and Newtown Primary School rank in VIC?
Holy Spirit Parish School is 365th of 1,290 and Newtown Primary School is 641st of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.