Biala Special School vs Southern Cross Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Biala Special School
Ballina · Independent special · U
33 students · ICSEA 898
Southern Cross Public School
East Ballina · Government primary · K-6
388 students · ICSEA 1053
| Measure | Biala Special School Ballina NSW | Southern Cross Public School East Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #338 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1112 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Special | Primary |
| Year range | U | K-6 |
| Students | 33 | 388 |
| Girls / boys | 11 / 22 | 164 / 224 |
| Foundation intake | – | 47 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +14% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 898 | 1053 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 4.9 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 26.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.3 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 36% | 6% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | East Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.biala.org.au | sthcross-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Cross Public School has the higher ICSEA (1053 vs 898), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Biala Special School has fewer students per teacher (4.9 vs 14.4).
- •Southern Cross Public School is the larger school with 388 students compared with 33.
- •Biala Special School has grown faster over five years (14% vs -2%).
- •Biala Special School is a independent school while Southern Cross Public School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Biala Special School better than Southern Cross Public School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Biala Special School and Southern Cross Public School?
About 2.7 km in a straight line, between Ballina and East Ballina in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Biala Special School has 4.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Cross Public School has 14.4.
How do Biala Special School and Southern Cross Public School rank in NSW?
Biala Special School is unranked and Southern Cross Public School is 338th of 1,619 among special schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.