Northam Primary School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Western Australia, 705 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northam Primary School
Northam · Government primary · K-6
325 students · ICSEA 937
St Joseph's School
Northam · Catholic combined · PP-12
721 students · ICSEA 1013
| Measure | Northam Primary School Northam WA | St Joseph's School Northam WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #473 of 583 | #112 of 172 |
| National rank (type) | #4197 of 4,908 | #902 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | PP-12 |
| Students | 325 | 721 |
| Girls / boys | 156 / 169 | 389 / 332 |
| Foundation intake | 36 | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 63 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 35 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 937 | 1013 |
| ICSEA percentile | 20th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 56% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.6 | 48.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 29.0 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 5% |
| Suburb | Northam 6401 | Northam 6401 |
| Council area | Northam | Northam |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/overview.do?schoolID=5351 | www.sjsnortham.wa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (38.0 vs 29.0).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1013 vs 937), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 721 students compared with 325.
- •Northam Primary School has grown faster over five years (13% vs 7%).
- •Northam Primary School is a government school while St Joseph's 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 Northam Primary School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (38.0 vs 29.0 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 Northam Primary School and St Joseph's School?
About 705 m in a straight line, between Northam and Northam in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northam Primary School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 15.0.
How do Northam Primary School and St Joseph's School rank in WA?
Northam Primary School is 473rd of 583 and St Joseph's School is 112th of 172 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.