Balranald Central School vs Merriwa Central School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 688 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balranald Central School
Balranald · Government combined · K-12
179 students · ICSEA 876
Merriwa Central School
Merriwa · Government combined · K-12
221 students · ICSEA 879
| Measure | Balranald Central School Balranald NSW | Merriwa Central School Merriwa NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 30 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #294 of 314 | #287 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1105 of 1,259 | #1074 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 179 | 221 |
| Girls / boys | 88 / 91 | 109 / 112 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 12 | 19 |
| Year 12 cohort | 13 | 9 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | 0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 876 | 879 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 69% | 71% |
| Students per teacher | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 21.7 | 24.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 10.6 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 25% |
| Suburb | Balranald 2715 | Merriwa 2329 |
| Council area | Balranald | Upper Hunter |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | balranald-c.schools.nsw.gov.au | merriwa-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Merriwa Central School scores higher on the Success Index (30.1 vs 28.6).
- •Merriwa Central School has the higher ICSEA (879 vs 876), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balranald Central School has fewer students per teacher (8.2 vs 9.0).
- •Merriwa Central School is the larger school with 221 students compared with 179.
- •Balranald Central School has grown faster over five years (16% vs 0%).
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 Balranald Central School better than Merriwa Central School?
On the Success Index, Merriwa Central School ranks higher (30.1 vs 28.6 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 Balranald Central School and Merriwa Central School?
About 688 km in a straight line, between Balranald and Merriwa in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balranald Central School has 8.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merriwa Central School has 9.0.
How do Balranald Central School and Merriwa Central School rank in NSW?
Balranald Central School is 294th of 314 and Merriwa Central School is 287th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.