Alstonville High School vs The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 9.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Alstonville High School
Alstonville · Government high school · 7-12
522 students · ICSEA 990
The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus
Goonellabah · Government high school · 7-12
262 students · ICSEA 884
| Measure | Alstonville High School Alstonville NSW | The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus Goonellabah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #294 of 539 | #507 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #791 of 1,472 | #1385 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 522 | 262 |
| Girls / boys | 255 / 267 | 127 / 135 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 89 | 50 |
| Year 12 cohort | 49 | 31 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -25% | -35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 990 | 884 |
| ICSEA percentile | 42th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 10.5 | 6.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 49.5 | 40.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.7 | 12.2 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 33% |
| Suburb | Alstonville 2477 | Goonellabah 2480 |
| Council area | Ballina | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | alstonvill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | kadina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Alstonville High School scores higher on the Success Index (47.3 vs 21.7).
- •Alstonville High School has the higher ICSEA (990 vs 884), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has fewer students per teacher (6.5 vs 10.5).
- •Alstonville High School is the larger school with 522 students compared with 262.
- •Alstonville High School has grown faster over five years (-25% vs -35%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Alstonville High School better than The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?
On the Success Index, Alstonville High School ranks higher (47.3 vs 21.7 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 Alstonville High School and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?
About 9.6 km in a straight line, between Alstonville and Goonellabah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Alstonville High School has 10.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has 6.5.
How do Alstonville High School and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus rank in NSW?
Alstonville High School is 294th of 539 and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus is 507th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.