Brightwaters Christian College vs Gwandalan Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 4.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brightwaters Christian College
Brightwaters · Independent combined · K-10
106 students · ICSEA 1001
Gwandalan Public School
Gwandalan · Government primary · K-6
351 students · ICSEA 953
| Measure | Brightwaters Christian College Brightwaters NSW | Gwandalan Public School Gwandalan NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #225 of 314 | #1453 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #733 of 1,259 | #4438 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-10 | K-6 |
| Students | 106 | 351 |
| Girls / boys | 66 / 40 | 194 / 157 |
| Foundation intake | 13 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 10 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +231% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 953 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 10.2 | 17.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 19.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.1 | 3.0 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 20% |
| Suburb | Brightwaters 2264 | Gwandalan 2259 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.brightwaters.nsw.edu.au/ | gwandalan-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Brightwaters Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (46.2 vs 25.9).
- •Brightwaters Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 953), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 17.6).
- •Gwandalan Public School is the larger school with 351 students compared with 106.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has grown faster over five years (231% vs -14%).
- •Brightwaters Christian College is a independent school while Gwandalan 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Brightwaters Christian College better than Gwandalan Public School?
On the Success Index, Brightwaters Christian College ranks higher (46.2 vs 25.9 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 Brightwaters Christian College and Gwandalan Public School?
About 4.4 km in a straight line, between Brightwaters and Gwandalan in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brightwaters Christian College has 10.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Gwandalan Public School has 17.6.
How do Brightwaters Christian College and Gwandalan Public School rank in NSW?
Brightwaters Christian College is 225th of 314 and Gwandalan Public School is 1453rd of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.