Baradine Central School vs Lightning Ridge Central School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 199 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Baradine Central School
Baradine · Government combined · K-12
101 students · ICSEA 785
Lightning Ridge Central School
Lightning Ridge · Government combined · K-12
311 students · ICSEA 790
| Measure | Baradine Central School Baradine NSW | Lightning Ridge Central School Lightning Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #304 of 314 | #311 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1171 of 1,259 | #1211 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 101 | 311 |
| Girls / boys | 51 / 50 | 156 / 155 |
| Foundation intake | 5 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | 23 |
| Year 12 cohort | 4 | 17 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 785 | 790 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 3th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 81% | 71% |
| Students per teacher | 7.9 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 32.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.1 | 12.8 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 50% | 61% |
| Suburb | Baradine 2396 | Lightning Ridge 2834 |
| Council area | Warrumbungle | Walgett |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | baradine-c.schools.nsw.gov.au | lightningr-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Baradine Central School scores higher on the Success Index (25.7 vs 22.8).
- •Lightning Ridge Central School has the higher ICSEA (790 vs 785), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Baradine Central School has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 9.6).
- •Lightning Ridge Central School is the larger school with 311 students compared with 101.
- •Lightning Ridge Central School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -20%).
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 Baradine Central School better than Lightning Ridge Central School?
On the Success Index, Baradine Central School ranks higher (25.7 vs 22.8 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 Baradine Central School and Lightning Ridge Central School?
About 199 km in a straight line, between Baradine and Lightning Ridge in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Baradine Central School has 7.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lightning Ridge Central School has 9.6.
How do Baradine Central School and Lightning Ridge Central School rank in NSW?
Baradine Central School is 304th of 314 and Lightning Ridge Central School is 311th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.