Ballina Public School vs Southern Cross Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballina Public School
Ballina · Government primary · K-6
254 students · ICSEA 869
Southern Cross Public School
East Ballina · Government primary · K-6
388 students · ICSEA 1053
| Measure | Ballina Public School Ballina NSW | Southern Cross Public School East Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #1319 of 1,619 | #338 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4076 of 4,908 | #1112 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 254 | 388 |
| Girls / boys | 114 / 140 | 164 / 224 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 47 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 869 | 1053 |
| ICSEA percentile | 6th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 62% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.4 | 26.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 17% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 41% | 6% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | East Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | ballina-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | sthcross-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Cross Public School scores higher on the Success Index (69.0 vs 30.5).
- •Southern Cross Public School has the higher ICSEA (1053 vs 869), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballina Public School has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 14.4).
- •Southern Cross Public School is the larger school with 388 students compared with 254.
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 Public School better than Southern Cross Public School?
On the Success Index, Southern Cross Public School ranks higher (69.0 vs 30.5 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 Public School and Southern Cross Public School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Ballina and East Ballina in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballina Public School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Cross Public School has 14.4.
How do Ballina Public School and Southern Cross Public School rank in NSW?
Ballina Public School is 1319th of 1,619 and Southern Cross Public School is 338th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.