Al Zahra College vs Heritage Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 322 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Al Zahra College
Arncliffe · Independent combined · K-12
773 students · ICSEA 1032
Heritage Christian School
Port Macquarie · Independent combined · K-12
345 students · ICSEA 1032
| Measure | Al Zahra College Arncliffe NSW | Heritage Christian School Port Macquarie NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #242 of 314 | #184 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #832 of 1,259 | #585 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 773 | 345 |
| Girls / boys | 416 / 357 | 161 / 184 |
| Foundation intake | 77 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | 29 |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | 16 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +60% | -7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1032 | 1032 |
| ICSEA percentile | 61th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 51.2 | 29.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.1 | 16.8 |
| Language background other than English | 98% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 13% |
| Suburb | Arncliffe 2205 | Port Macquarie 2444 |
| Council area | Bayside (NSW) | Port Macquarie-Hastings |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.azc.nsw.edu.au | www.heritage.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Heritage Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (53.2 vs 41.3).
- •Heritage Christian School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 15.1).
- •Al Zahra College is the larger school with 773 students compared with 345.
- •Al Zahra College has grown faster over five years (60% vs -7%).
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 Al Zahra College better than Heritage Christian School?
On the Success Index, Heritage Christian School ranks higher (53.2 vs 41.3 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 Al Zahra College and Heritage Christian School?
About 322 km in a straight line, between Arncliffe and Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Al Zahra College has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Heritage Christian School has 11.5.
How do Al Zahra College and Heritage Christian School rank in NSW?
Al Zahra College is 242nd of 314 and Heritage Christian School is 184th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.