Calwell High School vs Covenant Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Calwell High School
Calwell · Government high school · 7-10
371 students · ICSEA 972
Covenant Christian School
Gordon · Independent combined · K-10
320 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Calwell High School Calwell ACT | Covenant Christian School Gordon ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 38 Lower 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #27 of 27 | #12 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #989 of 1,472 | #285 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-10 | K-10 |
| Students | 371 | 320 |
| Girls / boys | 190 / 181 | 154 / 166 |
| Foundation intake | – | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | 102 | 36 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +65% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 972 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 34th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 31.0 | 24.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.8 | 16.2 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 54% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 2% |
| Suburb | Calwell 2905 | Gordon 2906 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.calwellhs.act.edu.au/ | www.covenant.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Covenant Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (68.9 vs 38.3).
- •Covenant Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 972), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Calwell High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 12.9).
- •Calwell High School is the larger school with 371 students compared with 320.
- •Covenant Christian School has grown faster over five years (65% vs -8%).
- •Calwell High School is a government school while Covenant Christian 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 Calwell High School better than Covenant Christian School?
On the Success Index, Covenant Christian School ranks higher (68.9 vs 38.3 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 Calwell High School and Covenant Christian School?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Calwell and Gordon in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Calwell High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Covenant Christian School has 12.9.
How do Calwell High School and Covenant Christian School rank in ACT?
Calwell High School is 27th of 27 and Covenant Christian School is 12th of 23 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.