Bangalow Public School vs Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 5.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bangalow Public School
Bangalow · Government primary · K-6
295 students · ICSEA 1088
Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School
Byron Bay · Independent combined · K-12
382 students · ICSEA 1097
| Measure | Bangalow Public School Bangalow NSW | Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School Byron Bay NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #275 of 1,619 | #104 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #934 of 4,908 | #310 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 295 | 382 |
| Girls / boys | 138 / 157 | 210 / 172 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 31 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 35 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1088 | 1097 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 18.1 | 12.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.3 | 30.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.6 | 23.5 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Bangalow 2479 | Byron Bay 2481 |
| Council area | Byron | Byron |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | bangalow-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.capebyronsteiner.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bangalow Public School scores higher on the Success Index (70.9 vs 67.6).
- •Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1097 vs 1088), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 18.1).
- •Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is the larger school with 382 students compared with 295.
- •Bangalow Public School has grown faster over five years (22% vs 3%).
- •Bangalow Public School is a government school while Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School 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 Bangalow Public School better than Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Bangalow Public School ranks higher (70.9 vs 67.6 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 Bangalow Public School and Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School?
About 5.3 km in a straight line, between Bangalow and Byron Bay in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bangalow Public School has 18.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School has 12.6.
How do Bangalow Public School and Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School rank in NSW?
Bangalow Public School is 275th of 1,619 and Cape Byron Rudolf Steiner School is 104th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.