Hawker College vs Shirley Smith High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 12 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Hawker College
Hawker · Government high school · 11-12
605 students · ICSEA 1073
Shirley Smith High School
Kenny · Government high school · 7-8
210 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Hawker College Hawker ACT | Shirley Smith High School Kenny ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #10 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #190 of 1,472 | #55 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-8 |
| Students | 605 | 210 |
| Girls / boys | 311 / 294 | 106 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 101 |
| Year 12 cohort | 295 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +38% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1073 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 76th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 34% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 45.5 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.6 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Hawker 2614 | Kenny 2911 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hawkerc.act.edu.au/ | www.shirleysmithhs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Shirley Smith High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.0 vs 73.8).
- •Shirley Smith High School has the higher ICSEA (1078 vs 1073), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shirley Smith High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 13.3).
- •Hawker College is the larger school with 605 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 Hawker College better than Shirley Smith High School?
On the Success Index, Shirley Smith High School ranks higher (81.0 vs 73.8 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 Hawker College and Shirley Smith High School?
About 12 km in a straight line, between Hawker and Kenny in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Hawker College has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shirley Smith High School has 10.3.
How do Hawker College and Shirley Smith High School rank in ACT?
Hawker College is 10th of 27 and Shirley Smith High School is 3rd of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.