Bonnells Bay Public School vs Heritage College Lake Macquarie
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.0 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
Heritage College Lake Macquarie
Morisset · Independent combined · K-12
511 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Bonnells Bay Public School Bonnells Bay NSW | Heritage College Lake Macquarie Morisset NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1564 of 1,619 | #245 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4723 of 4,908 | #851 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 376 | 511 |
| Girls / boys | 173 / 203 | 259 / 252 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 48 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 21 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +66% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 925 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 17th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 55% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.4 | 40.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 26.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 23% | 6% |
| Suburb | Bonnells Bay 2264 | Morisset 2264 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | bonnellbay-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | lakemac.heritage.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie scores higher on the Success Index (40.4 vs 21.1).
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has the higher ICSEA (1002 vs 925), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.8).
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie is the larger school with 511 students compared with 376.
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has grown faster over five years (66% vs -13%).
- •Bonnells Bay Public School is a government school while Heritage College Lake Macquarie 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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
On the Success Index, Heritage College Lake Macquarie ranks higher (40.4 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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Bonnells Bay and Morisset 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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie has 12.7.
How do Bonnells Bay Public School and Heritage College Lake Macquarie rank in NSW?
Bonnells Bay Public School is 1564th of 1,619 and Heritage College Lake Macquarie is 245th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.