Padbury Catholic Primary School vs St Stephen's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Western Australia, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Padbury Catholic Primary School
Padbury · Catholic primary · PP-6
427 students · ICSEA 1108
St Stephen's School
Duncraig · Independent combined · PP-12
2,137 students · ICSEA 1120
| Measure | Padbury Catholic Primary School Padbury WA | St Stephen's School Duncraig WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #118 of 583 | #24 of 172 |
| National rank (type) | #1314 of 4,908 | #247 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | PP-6 | PP-12 |
| Students | 427 | 2,137 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 227 | 1,079 / 1,058 |
| Foundation intake | 62 | 105 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 250 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 170 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1108 | 1120 |
| ICSEA percentile | 86th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 42% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 18.6 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.0 | 174.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.1 | 101.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Padbury 6025 | Duncraig 6023 |
| Council area | Joondalup | Joondalup |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.padcath.wa.edu.au | www.ststephens.wa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Stephen's School scores higher on the Success Index (70.8 vs 66.7).
- •St Stephen's School has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1108), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Stephen's School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 18.6).
- •St Stephen's School is the larger school with 2,137 students compared with 427.
- •St Stephen's School has grown faster over five years (13% vs 4%).
- •Padbury Catholic Primary School is a catholic school while St Stephen's School is an independent 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 Padbury Catholic Primary School better than St Stephen's School?
On the Success Index, St Stephen's School ranks higher (70.8 vs 66.7 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 Padbury Catholic Primary School and St Stephen's School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Padbury and Duncraig in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Padbury Catholic Primary School has 18.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Stephen's School has 12.3.
How do Padbury Catholic Primary School and St Stephen's School rank in WA?
Padbury Catholic Primary School is 118th of 583 and St Stephen's School is 24th of 172 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.