Bonnells Bay Public School vs Brightwaters Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bonnells Bay Public School
Bonnells Bay · Government primary · K-6
376 students · ICSEA 925
Brightwaters Christian College
Brightwaters · Independent combined · K-10
106 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Bonnells Bay Public School Bonnells Bay NSW | Brightwaters Christian College Brightwaters NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1564 of 1,619 | #225 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4723 of 4,908 | #733 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-10 |
| Students | 376 | 106 |
| Girls / boys | 173 / 203 | 66 / 40 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 13 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 10 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +231% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 925 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 55% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 10.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 10.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 4.1 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 23% | 8% |
| Suburb | Bonnells Bay 2264 | Brightwaters 2264 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | bonnellbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.brightwaters.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Brightwaters Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (46.2 vs 21.1).
- •Brightwaters Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 14.8).
- •Bonnells Bay Public School is the larger school with 376 students compared with 106.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has grown faster over five years (231% vs -13%).
- •Bonnells Bay Public School is a government school while Brightwaters Christian College 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 Bonnells Bay Public School better than Brightwaters Christian College?
On the Success Index, Brightwaters Christian College ranks higher (46.2 vs 21.1 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 Bonnells Bay Public School and Brightwaters Christian College?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Bonnells Bay and Brightwaters in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bonnells Bay Public School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Brightwaters Christian College has 10.2.
How do Bonnells Bay Public School and Brightwaters Christian College rank in NSW?
Bonnells Bay Public School is 1564th of 1,619 and Brightwaters Christian College is 225th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.