Avondale School vs Heritage College Lake Macquarie
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 5.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Avondale School
Cooranbong · Independent combined · K-12
977 students · ICSEA 1055
Heritage College Lake Macquarie
Morisset · Independent combined · K-12
511 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Avondale School Cooranbong NSW | Heritage College Lake Macquarie Morisset NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #216 of 314 | #245 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #685 of 1,259 | #851 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 977 | 511 |
| Girls / boys | 513 / 464 | 259 / 252 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | 98 | 48 |
| Year 12 cohort | 53 | 21 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +14% | +66% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1055 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 70th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.2 | 40.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 44.8 | 26.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 6% |
| Suburb | Cooranbong 2265 | Morisset 2264 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.avondaleschool.nsw.edu.au/ | lakemac.heritage.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Avondale School scores higher on the Success Index (48.3 vs 40.4).
- •Avondale School has the higher ICSEA (1055 vs 1002), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.5).
- •Avondale School is the larger school with 977 students compared with 511.
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has grown faster over five years (66% vs 14%).
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 Avondale School better than Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
On the Success Index, Avondale School ranks higher (48.3 vs 40.4 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 Avondale School and Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
About 5.6 km in a straight line, between Cooranbong and Morisset in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Avondale School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Heritage College Lake Macquarie has 12.7.
How do Avondale School and Heritage College Lake Macquarie rank in NSW?
Avondale School is 216th of 314 and Heritage College Lake Macquarie is 245th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.