Balga Primary School vs St Gerard's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Western Australia, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balga Primary School
Balga · Government primary · K-6
213 students · ICSEA 937
St Gerard's Catholic Primary School
Westminster · Catholic primary · PP-6
176 students · ICSEA 1015
| Measure | Balga Primary School Balga WA | St Gerard's Catholic Primary School Westminster WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #413 of 583 | #312 of 583 |
| National rank (type) | #3760 of 4,908 | #2830 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | PP-6 |
| Students | 213 | 176 |
| Girls / boys | 102 / 111 | 74 / 102 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +23% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 937 | 1015 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 15.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.0 | 11.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.1 | 7.7 |
| Language background other than English | 81% | 82% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balga 6061 | Westminster 6061 |
| Council area | Stirling | Stirling |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | balgaps.wa.edu.au/ | www.stgerards.wa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Gerard's Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.2 vs 35.1).
- •St Gerard's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1015 vs 937), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balga Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.7 vs 15.7).
- •Balga Primary School is the larger school with 213 students compared with 176.
- •Balga Primary School has grown faster over five years (23% vs -1%).
- •Balga Primary School is a government school while St Gerard's Catholic Primary 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Stirling
Frequently asked questions
Is Balga Primary School better than St Gerard's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Gerard's Catholic Primary School ranks higher (48.2 vs 35.1 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 Balga Primary School and St Gerard's Catholic Primary School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Balga and Westminster in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balga Primary School has 13.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Gerard's Catholic Primary School has 15.7.
How do Balga Primary School and St Gerard's Catholic Primary School rank in WA?
Balga Primary School is 413th of 583 and St Gerard's Catholic Primary School is 312th of 583 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.