Mother Teresa School vs Shirley Smith High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mother Teresa School
Harrison · Catholic primary · K-6
716 students · ICSEA 1102
Shirley Smith High School
Kenny · Government high school · 7-8
210 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Mother Teresa School Harrison ACT | Shirley Smith High School Kenny ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #44 of 80 | #3 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #1140 of 4,908 | #55 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-8 |
| Students | 716 | 210 |
| Girls / boys | 357 / 359 | 106 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | 99 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 101 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1102 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 17.3 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 41.3 | 20.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.9 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 35% | 45% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Harrison 2914 | Kenny 2911 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.motherteresa.act.edu.au/ | www.shirleysmithhs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Shirley Smith High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.0 vs 68.7).
- •Mother Teresa School has the higher ICSEA (1102 vs 1078), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shirley Smith High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 17.3).
- •Mother Teresa School is the larger school with 716 students compared with 210.
- •Mother Teresa School is a catholic school while Shirley Smith High School is a government 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Mother Teresa School better than Shirley Smith High School?
On the Success Index, Shirley Smith High School ranks higher (81.0 vs 68.7 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 Mother Teresa School and Shirley Smith High School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Harrison and Kenny in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mother Teresa School has 17.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shirley Smith High School has 10.3.
How do Mother Teresa School and Shirley Smith High School rank in ACT?
Mother Teresa School is 44th of 80 and Shirley Smith High School is 3rd of 27 among primary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.