Melrose High School vs Shirley Smith High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 18 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Melrose High School
Pearce · Government high school · 7-10
776 students · ICSEA 1079
Shirley Smith High School
Kenny · Government high school · 7-8
210 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Melrose High School Pearce ACT | Shirley Smith High School Kenny ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #21 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #340 of 1,472 | #55 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-10 | 7-8 |
| Students | 776 | 210 |
| Girls / boys | 376 / 400 | 106 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 196 | 101 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1079 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 57.2 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 23.6 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pearce 2607 | Kenny 2911 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.melrosehs.act.edu.au/ | www.shirleysmithhs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Shirley Smith High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.0 vs 67.6).
- •Melrose High School has the higher ICSEA (1079 vs 1078), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shirley Smith High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 13.6).
- •Melrose High School is the larger school with 776 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 Melrose High School better than Shirley Smith High School?
On the Success Index, Shirley Smith High School ranks higher (81.0 vs 67.6 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 Melrose High School and Shirley Smith High School?
About 18 km in a straight line, between Pearce and Kenny in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Melrose High School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shirley Smith High School has 10.3.
How do Melrose High School and Shirley Smith High School rank in ACT?
Melrose High School is 21st of 27 and Shirley Smith High School is 3rd of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.