Ballina Coast High School vs Richmond Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.9 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
Richmond Christian College
Ballina · Independent combined · K-12
327 students · ICSEA 1069
| Measure | Ballina Coast High School Ballina NSW | Richmond Christian College Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #344 of 539 | #122 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #977 of 1,472 | #390 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 722 | 327 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 413 | 158 / 169 |
| Foundation intake | – | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 97 | 35 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 22 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -24% | +58% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 1069 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.9 | 25.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.3 | 15.3 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 5% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | ballina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.richmond.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Richmond Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 39.0).
- •Richmond Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1069 vs 952), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballina Coast High School has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 13.0).
- •Ballina Coast High School is the larger school with 722 students compared with 327.
- •Richmond Christian College has grown faster over five years (58% vs -24%).
- •Ballina Coast High School is a government school while Richmond Christian College 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 Ballina Coast High School better than Richmond Christian College?
On the Success Index, Richmond Christian College ranks higher (64.1 vs 39.0 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 Richmond Christian College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Ballina and Ballina 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 Richmond Christian College has 13.0.
How do Ballina Coast High School and Richmond Christian College rank in NSW?
Ballina Coast High School is 344th of 539 and Richmond Christian College is 122nd of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.