Canberra Grammar School vs Forrest Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Canberra Grammar School
Red Hill · Independent combined · K-12
2,116 students · ICSEA 1187
Forrest Primary School
Forrest · Government primary · K-6
479 students · ICSEA 1145
| Measure | Canberra Grammar School Red Hill ACT | Forrest Primary School Forrest ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 25% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 23 | #20 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #143 of 1,259 | #348 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 2,116 | 479 |
| Girls / boys | 904 / 1,212 | 228 / 251 |
| Foundation intake | 88 | 57 |
| Year 7 cohort | 212 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 217 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1187 | 1145 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 77% | 62% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 176.1 | 32.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 154.6 | 13.0 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 46% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Red Hill 2603 | Forrest 2603 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cgs.act.edu.au/ | www.forrestps.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (77.5 vs 77.7).
- •Canberra Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1187 vs 1145), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canberra Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.8).
- •Canberra Grammar School is the larger school with 2,116 students compared with 479.
- •Canberra Grammar School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -14%).
- •Canberra Grammar School is a independent school while Forrest Primary School 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 Canberra Grammar School better than Forrest Primary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Canberra Grammar School and Forrest Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Red Hill and Forrest in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Canberra Grammar School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Forrest Primary School has 14.8.
How do Canberra Grammar School and Forrest Primary School rank in ACT?
Canberra Grammar School is 5th of 23 and Forrest Primary School is 20th of 80 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.