Ballina Coast High School vs Xavier Catholic College Ballina
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 5.2 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
Xavier Catholic College Ballina
Skennars Head · Catholic high school · 7-12
884 students · ICSEA 1081
| Measure | Ballina Coast High School Ballina NSW | Xavier Catholic College Ballina Skennars Head NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #344 of 539 | #41 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #977 of 1,472 | #111 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 722 | 884 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 413 | 435 / 449 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 97 | 162 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 127 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -24% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 952 | 1081 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 10.6 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.9 | 76.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.3 | 29.9 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 19% | 4% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | Skennars Head 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | ballina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.xavierlism.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Xavier Catholic College Ballina scores higher on the Success Index (77.1 vs 39.0).
- •Xavier Catholic College Ballina has the higher ICSEA (1081 vs 952), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballina Coast High School has fewer students per teacher (10.6 vs 11.5).
- •Xavier Catholic College Ballina is the larger school with 884 students compared with 722.
- •Xavier Catholic College Ballina has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -24%).
- •Ballina Coast High School is a government school while Xavier Catholic College Ballina is a catholic 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 Xavier Catholic College Ballina?
On the Success Index, Xavier Catholic College Ballina ranks higher (77.1 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 Xavier Catholic College Ballina?
About 5.2 km in a straight line, between Ballina and Skennars Head 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 Xavier Catholic College Ballina has 11.5.
How do Ballina Coast High School and Xavier Catholic College Ballina rank in NSW?
Ballina Coast High School is 344th of 539 and Xavier Catholic College Ballina is 41st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.