Ballina Coast High School vs Callaghan College Wallsend Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 483 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballina Coast High School
Ballina · Government high school · 7-12
722 students · ICSEA 952
Callaghan College Wallsend Campus
Wallsend · Government high school · 7-10
890 students · ICSEA 952
| Measure | Ballina Coast High School Ballina NSW | Callaghan College Wallsend Campus Wallsend NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #344 of 539 | #392 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #977 of 1,472 | #1089 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-10 |
| Students | 722 | 890 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 413 | 437 / 453 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 97 | 262 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -24% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 952 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 46% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.9 | 75.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.3 | 21.4 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 15% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | Wallsend 2287 |
| Council area | Ballina | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | ballina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | wallsend-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Ballina Coast High School scores higher on the Success Index (39.0 vs 33.9).
- •Ballina Coast High School has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 11.7).
- •Callaghan College Wallsend Campus is the larger school with 890 students compared with 722.
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 Ballina Coast High School better than Callaghan College Wallsend Campus?
On the Success Index, Ballina Coast High School ranks higher (39.0 vs 33.9 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 Ballina Coast High School and Callaghan College Wallsend Campus?
About 483 km in a straight line, between Ballina and Wallsend in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballina Coast High School has 10.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Callaghan College Wallsend Campus has 11.7.
How do Ballina Coast High School and Callaghan College Wallsend Campus rank in NSW?
Ballina Coast High School is 344th of 539 and Callaghan College Wallsend Campus is 392nd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.