Canberra High School vs Radford College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.4 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
Radford College
Bruce · Independent combined · K-12
2,091 students · ICSEA 1203
| Measure | Canberra High School Macquarie ACT | Radford College Bruce ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 80 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #18 of 27 | #3 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #321 of 1,472 | #110 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-10 | K-12 |
| Students | 898 | 2,091 |
| Girls / boys | 456 / 442 | 1,033 / 1,058 |
| Foundation intake | – | 92 |
| Year 7 cohort | 233 | 216 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 215 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1100 | 1203 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 81% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 0% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 66.7 | 159.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.9 | 98.1 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 42% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Macquarie 2614 | Bruce 2617 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.canberrahs.act.edu.au/ | www.radford.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Radford College scores higher on the Success Index (80.2 vs 68.2).
- •Radford College has the higher ICSEA (1203 vs 1100), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Radford College is the larger school with 2,091 students compared with 898.
- •Canberra High School is a government school while Radford College 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is Canberra High School better than Radford College?
On the Success Index, Radford College ranks higher (80.2 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 Radford College?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Macquarie and Bruce 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 Radford College has 13.1.
How do Canberra High School and Radford College rank in ACT?
Canberra High School is 18th of 27 and Radford College is 3rd of 23 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.