Aquinas Catholic College vs Menai High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.9 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
Menai High School
Menai · Government high school · 7-12
1,062 students · ICSEA 1046
| Measure | Aquinas Catholic College Menai NSW | Menai High School Menai NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #86 of 539 | #246 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #235 of 1,472 | #647 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,140 | 1,062 |
| Girls / boys | 515 / 625 | 517 / 545 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 190 |
| Year 12 cohort | 163 | 180 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1046 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 82.4 | 76.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 17.2 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Menai 2234 | Menai 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | aquinasmenai.syd.catholic.edu.au | menai-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Aquinas Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.0 vs 54.4).
- •Aquinas Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1082 vs 1046), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Aquinas Catholic College is the larger school with 1,140 students compared with 1,062.
- •Aquinas Catholic College has grown faster over five years (6% vs -16%).
- •Aquinas Catholic College is a catholic school while Menai 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 Aquinas Catholic College better than Menai High School?
On the Success Index, Aquinas Catholic College ranks higher (72.0 vs 54.4 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 Menai High School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Menai and Menai 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 Menai High School has 13.9.
How do Aquinas Catholic College and Menai High School rank in NSW?
Aquinas Catholic College is 86th of 539 and Menai High School is 246th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.