Aquinas Catholic College vs Lucas Heights Community School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aquinas Catholic College
Menai · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,140 students · ICSEA 1082
Lucas Heights Community School
Barden Ridge · Government combined · K-12
796 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | Aquinas Catholic College Menai NSW | Lucas Heights Community School Barden Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #86 of 539 | #198 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #235 of 1,472 | #624 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,140 | 796 |
| Girls / boys | 515 / 625 | 370 / 426 |
| Foundation intake | – | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 69 |
| Year 12 cohort | 163 | 88 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 82.4 | 69.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 19.7 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| Suburb | Menai 2234 | Barden Ridge 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | aquinasmenai.syd.catholic.edu.au | lucasheigh-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Aquinas Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.0 vs 51.4).
- •Aquinas Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1082 vs 1038), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lucas Heights Community School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.8).
- •Aquinas Catholic College is the larger school with 1,140 students compared with 796.
- •Aquinas Catholic College has grown faster over five years (6% vs -1%).
- •Aquinas Catholic College is a catholic school while Lucas Heights Community 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 Aquinas Catholic College better than Lucas Heights Community School?
On the Success Index, Aquinas Catholic College ranks higher (72.0 vs 51.4 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 Aquinas Catholic College and Lucas Heights Community School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Menai and Barden Ridge in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aquinas Catholic College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lucas Heights Community School has 11.4.
How do Aquinas Catholic College and Lucas Heights Community School rank in NSW?
Aquinas Catholic College is 86th of 539 and Lucas Heights Community School is 198th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.