Bonalbo Central School vs Lightning Ridge Central School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 458 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bonalbo Central School
Bonalbo · Government combined · K-12
84 students · ICSEA 791
Lightning Ridge Central School
Lightning Ridge · Government combined · K-12
311 students · ICSEA 790
| Measure | Bonalbo Central School Bonalbo NSW | Lightning Ridge Central School Lightning Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #309 of 314 | #311 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1203 of 1,259 | #1211 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 84 | 311 |
| Girls / boys | 46 / 38 | 156 / 155 |
| Foundation intake | 3 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 10 | 23 |
| Year 12 cohort | 4 | 17 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -33% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 791 | 790 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 3th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 84% | 71% |
| Students per teacher | 6.6 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 32.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.9 | 12.8 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 36% | 61% |
| Suburb | Bonalbo 2469 | Lightning Ridge 2834 |
| Council area | Kyogle | Walgett |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Remote |
| Website | bonalbo-c.schools.nsw.gov.au | lightningr-c.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (23.4 vs 22.8).
- •Bonalbo Central School has the higher ICSEA (791 vs 790), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bonalbo Central School has fewer students per teacher (6.6 vs 9.6).
- •Lightning Ridge Central School is the larger school with 311 students compared with 84.
- •Lightning Ridge Central School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -33%).
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 Bonalbo Central School better than Lightning Ridge Central 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 Bonalbo Central School and Lightning Ridge Central School?
About 458 km in a straight line, between Bonalbo and Lightning Ridge in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bonalbo Central School has 6.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lightning Ridge Central School has 9.6.
How do Bonalbo Central School and Lightning Ridge Central School rank in NSW?
Bonalbo Central School is 309th of 314 and Lightning Ridge Central School is 311th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.