Aquinas Catholic College vs Shire Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 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
Shire Christian School
Barden Ridge · Independent combined · K-12
926 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Aquinas Catholic College Menai NSW | Shire Christian School Barden Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #86 of 539 | #125 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #235 of 1,472 | #395 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,140 | 926 |
| Girls / boys | 515 / 625 | 453 / 473 |
| Foundation intake | – | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 210 | 97 |
| Year 12 cohort | 163 | 64 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 82.4 | 68.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 38.2 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Menai 2234 | Barden Ridge 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | aquinasmenai.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.shirechristian.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Aquinas Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (72.0 vs 63.8).
- •Shire Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1082), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Aquinas Catholic College is the larger school with 1,140 students compared with 926.
- •Aquinas Catholic College is a catholic school while Shire Christian School is an independent 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 Shire Christian School?
On the Success Index, Aquinas Catholic College ranks higher (72.0 vs 63.8 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 Shire Christian School?
About 2.1 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 Shire Christian School has 13.5.
How do Aquinas Catholic College and Shire Christian School rank in NSW?
Aquinas Catholic College is 86th of 539 and Shire Christian School is 125th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.