Harrison School vs Shirley Smith High School
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.
Harrison School
Harrison · Government combined · K-10
1,365 students · ICSEA 1058
Shirley Smith High School
Kenny · Government high school · 7-8
210 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Harrison School Harrison ACT | Shirley Smith High School Kenny ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 23 | #3 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #755 of 1,259 | #55 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-10 | 7-8 |
| Students | 1,365 | 210 |
| Girls / boys | 657 / 708 | 106 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | 86 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 129 | 101 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1058 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 71th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 27% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 93.4 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 42.5 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 55% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Harrison 2914 | Kenny 2911 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.harrison.act.edu.au/ | www.shirleysmithhs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Shirley Smith High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.0 vs 45.4).
- •Shirley Smith High School has the higher ICSEA (1078 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shirley Smith High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 14.6).
- •Harrison School is the larger school with 1,365 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 Harrison School better than Shirley Smith High School?
On the Success Index, Shirley Smith High School ranks higher (81.0 vs 45.4 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 Harrison School and Shirley Smith High School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Harrison and Kenny in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Harrison School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shirley Smith High School has 10.3.
How do Harrison School and Shirley Smith High School rank in ACT?
Harrison School is 19th of 23 and Shirley Smith High School is 3rd of 27 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.