Gungahlin College vs Shirley Smith High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 3.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gungahlin College
Gungahlin · Government high school · 10-12
1,070 students · ICSEA 1061
Shirley Smith High School
Kenny · Government high school · 7-8
210 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Gungahlin College Gungahlin ACT | Shirley Smith High School Kenny ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #487 of 1,472 | #55 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-8 |
| Students | 1,070 | 210 |
| Girls / boys | 555 / 515 | 106 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 101 |
| Year 12 cohort | 496 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1061 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 75.3 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.7 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Gungahlin 2912 | Kenny 2911 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gungahlincollege.act.edu.au | www.shirleysmithhs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Shirley Smith High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.0 vs 61.2).
- •Shirley Smith High School has the higher ICSEA (1078 vs 1061), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shirley Smith High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 13.4).
- •Gungahlin College is the larger school with 1,070 students compared with 210.
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 Gungahlin College better than Shirley Smith High School?
On the Success Index, Shirley Smith High School ranks higher (81.0 vs 61.2 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 Gungahlin College and Shirley Smith High School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Gungahlin and Kenny in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gungahlin College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shirley Smith High School has 10.3.
How do Gungahlin College and Shirley Smith High School rank in ACT?
Gungahlin College is 24th of 27 and Shirley Smith High School is 3rd of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.