Canberra High School vs Dickson College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 7.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Canberra High School
Macquarie · Government high school · 7-10
898 students · ICSEA 1100
Dickson College
Dickson · Government high school · 7-12
899 students · ICSEA 1101
| Measure | Canberra High School Macquarie ACT | Dickson College Dickson ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #18 of 27 | #6 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #321 of 1,472 | #152 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 898 | 899 |
| Girls / boys | 456 / 442 | 435 / 464 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 233 | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 388 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1100 | 1101 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 66.7 | 62.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.9 | 20.4 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Macquarie 2614 | Dickson 2602 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.canberrahs.act.edu.au/ | www.dicksonc.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Dickson College scores higher on the Success Index (75.6 vs 68.2).
- •Dickson College has the higher ICSEA (1101 vs 1100), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canberra High School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.5).
- •Dickson College is the larger school with 899 students compared with 898.
- •Dickson College has grown faster over five years (27% vs 3%).
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 High School better than Dickson College?
On the Success Index, Dickson College ranks higher (75.6 vs 68.2 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 High School and Dickson College?
About 7.2 km in a straight line, between Macquarie and Dickson in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Canberra High School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dickson College has 14.5.
How do Canberra High School and Dickson College rank in ACT?
Canberra High School is 18th of 27 and Dickson College is 6th of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.