Catherine McAuley Westmead is a Catholic girls' secondary school known for its pastoral care and tight-knit community.
NAPLAN averaging 33 points above national year-level averages and solid student growth; the result is a B+ overall.
Catherine McAuley Westmead is a Catholic girls' secondary school known for its pastoral care and tight-knit community. The school offers distinct pathways in STEM and Japanese language immersion, alongside Commerce and entrepreneurship programs. Students benefit from hands-on learning like the Year 9 Commerce Market Day, and the school emphasises community service and social justice. Beyond academics, the school supports student wellbeing through diverse activities, from craft groups to service initiatives. It suits families seeking a supportive, values-driven environment where girls can explore their interests and contribute to the wider community.
Catherine McAuley Westmead is also known as CMW Westmead.
7 HSC Top Achievers — #21 of 240 New South Wales schools.
Catherine McAuley Westmead has an overall SchoolRank score of 66.5/100, rated "Good". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B+ (Good) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1087 (81st percentile; the national average is 1,000). Notably, student growth grades B+ (Good).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Catherine McAuley Westmead, Year 7 students averaged 571 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 603, above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Writing. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Catherine McAuley Westmead is a large Catholic secondary school with approximately 1,210 students. It offers education for years 7-12. As a Catholic school, enrolment typically involves an application process. Contact the school directly for enrolment criteria, waiting lists, and open day information.
Catherine McAuley Westmead has approximate annual tuition fees of $4,876. Actual fees may vary by year level, and additional costs for uniforms, camps, and extracurricular activities typically apply. The school grades B (Average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Catherine McAuley Westmead has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.5:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 20% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 93%, which is excellent.
In the 2025 HSC, 1 student at Catherine McAuley Westmead was an all-round achiever, with results in the top band across 10 or more units. The school had 7 top achiever places across 2025 HSC courses. The Year 12 completion rate is 100%. 95% of students received a university offer.
Catherine McAuley Westmead is located in Westmead, NSW, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1087 (81st percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.