Blue Gum Community School vs Dickson College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 826 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blue Gum Community School
Hackett · Independent combined · K-10
167 students · ICSEA 1164
Dickson College
Dickson · Government high school · 7-12
899 students · ICSEA 1101
| Measure | Blue Gum Community School Hackett ACT | Dickson College Dickson ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 85 Top 5% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 23 | #6 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #43 of 1,259 | #152 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 167 | 899 |
| Girls / boys | 78 / 89 | 435 / 464 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 11 | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 388 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1164 | 1101 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 69% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 0% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 8.2 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.4 | 62.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.4 | 20.4 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Hackett 2602 | Dickson 2602 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bluegum.act.edu.au | www.dicksonc.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Blue Gum Community School scores higher on the Success Index (84.9 vs 75.6).
- •Blue Gum Community School has the higher ICSEA (1164 vs 1101), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blue Gum Community School has fewer students per teacher (8.2 vs 14.5).
- •Dickson College is the larger school with 899 students compared with 167.
- •Dickson College has grown faster over five years (27% vs 18%).
- •Blue Gum Community School is a independent school while Dickson College is a government 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 Blue Gum Community School better than Dickson College?
On the Success Index, Blue Gum Community School ranks higher (84.9 vs 75.6 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 Blue Gum Community School and Dickson College?
About 826 m in a straight line, between Hackett and Dickson in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blue Gum Community School has 8.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dickson College has 14.5.
How do Blue Gum Community School and Dickson College rank in ACT?
Blue Gum Community School is 1st of 23 and Dickson College is 6th of 27 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.