Canberra Grammar School vs Narrabundah College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.8 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
Narrabundah College
Narrabundah · Government high school · 11-12
977 students · ICSEA 1131
| Measure | Canberra Grammar School Red Hill ACT | Narrabundah College Narrabundah ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 23 | #5 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #143 of 1,259 | #143 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-12 | 11-12 |
| Students | 2,116 | 977 |
| Girls / boys | 904 / 1,212 | 478 / 499 |
| Foundation intake | 88 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 212 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 217 | 481 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1187 | 1131 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 77% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 176.1 | 66.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 154.6 | 12.2 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 65% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Red Hill 2603 | Narrabundah 2604 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cgs.act.edu.au/ | www.narrabundahc.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Canberra Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (77.5 vs 75.8).
- •Canberra Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1187 vs 1131), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canberra Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.7).
- •Canberra Grammar School is the larger school with 2,116 students compared with 977.
- •Canberra Grammar School is a independent school while Narrabundah 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 Canberra Grammar School better than Narrabundah College?
On the Success Index, Canberra Grammar School ranks higher (77.5 vs 75.8 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 Canberra Grammar School and Narrabundah College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Red Hill and Narrabundah 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 Narrabundah College has 14.7.
How do Canberra Grammar School and Narrabundah College rank in ACT?
Canberra Grammar School is 5th of 23 and Narrabundah College is 5th of 27 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.