Blue Hills College vs Brightwaters Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 507 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blue Hills College
Goonellabah · Independent combined · K-12
201 students · ICSEA 999
Brightwaters Christian College
Brightwaters · Independent combined · K-10
106 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Blue Hills College Goonellabah NSW | Brightwaters Christian College Brightwaters NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #247 of 314 | #225 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #870 of 1,259 | #733 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-10 |
| Students | 201 | 106 |
| Girls / boys | 92 / 109 | 66 / 40 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 13 |
| Year 7 cohort | 18 | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | 3 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | +231% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 10.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 18.0 | 10.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.6 | 4.1 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 8% |
| Suburb | Goonellabah 2480 | Brightwaters 2264 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bluehills.nsw.edu.au | www.brightwaters.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Brightwaters Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (46.2 vs 39.5).
- •Brightwaters Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 999), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 11.1).
- •Blue Hills College is the larger school with 201 students compared with 106.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has grown faster over five years (231% vs 1%).
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 Blue Hills College better than Brightwaters Christian College?
On the Success Index, Brightwaters Christian College ranks higher (46.2 vs 39.5 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 Blue Hills College and Brightwaters Christian College?
About 507 km in a straight line, between Goonellabah and Brightwaters in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blue Hills College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Brightwaters Christian College has 10.2.
How do Blue Hills College and Brightwaters Christian College rank in NSW?
Blue Hills College is 247th of 314 and Brightwaters Christian College is 225th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.