Southwell Primary School vs Spearwood Alternative School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Western Australia, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Southwell Primary School
Hamilton Hill · Government primary · K-6
83 students · ICSEA 794
Spearwood Alternative School
Spearwood · Government primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1079
| Measure | Southwell Primary School Hamilton Hill WA | Spearwood Alternative School Spearwood WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #535 of 583 | #115 of 583 |
| National rank (type) | #4636 of 4,908 | #1284 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 83 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 36 / 47 | 40 / 55 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 794 | 1079 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 74% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.8 | 6.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.7 | 5.8 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 58% | 7% |
| Suburb | Hamilton Hill 6163 | Spearwood 6163 |
| Council area | Cockburn | Cockburn |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/overview.do?schoolID=5568 | spearwoodalternative.wa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Spearwood Alternative School scores higher on the Success Index (67.1 vs 22.8).
- •Spearwood Alternative School has the higher ICSEA (1079 vs 794), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southwell Primary School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 13.8).
- •Spearwood Alternative School is the larger school with 95 students compared with 83.
- •Southwell Primary School has grown faster over five years (9% vs 1%).
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 Southwell Primary School better than Spearwood Alternative School?
On the Success Index, Spearwood Alternative School ranks higher (67.1 vs 22.8 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 Southwell Primary School and Spearwood Alternative School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Hamilton Hill and Spearwood in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Southwell Primary School has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Spearwood Alternative School has 13.8.
How do Southwell Primary School and Spearwood Alternative School rank in WA?
Southwell Primary School is 535th of 583 and Spearwood Alternative School is 115th of 583 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.