St James School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 59 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St James School
Nar Nar Goon · Catholic primary · Prep-6
98 students · ICSEA 1031
St Joseph's School
Wonthaggi · Catholic primary · Prep-6
315 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | St James School Nar Nar Goon VIC | St Joseph's School Wonthaggi VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #763 of 1,290 | #665 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2283 of 4,908 | #1960 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 98 | 315 |
| Girls / boys | 49 / 49 | 153 / 162 |
| Foundation intake | 19 | 37 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 23.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.3 | 12.0 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 2% |
| Suburb | Nar Nar Goon 3812 | Wonthaggi 3995 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Bass Coast |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au | www.stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (59.6 vs 55.6).
- •St James School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.7).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 315 students compared with 98.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -18%).
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 St James School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (59.6 vs 55.6 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 St James School and St Joseph's School?
About 59 km in a straight line, between Nar Nar Goon and Wonthaggi in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St James School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 13.7.
How do St James School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
St James School is 763rd of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is 665th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.