Brightwaters Christian College vs Heritage College Lake Macquarie
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 3.7 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
Heritage College Lake Macquarie
Morisset · Independent combined · K-12
511 students · ICSEA 1002
| Measure | Brightwaters Christian College Brightwaters NSW | Heritage College Lake Macquarie Morisset NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #225 of 314 | #245 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #733 of 1,259 | #851 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-10 | K-12 |
| Students | 106 | 511 |
| Girls / boys | 66 / 40 | 259 / 252 |
| Foundation intake | 13 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | 10 | 48 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 21 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +231% | +66% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 1002 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 10.2 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.4 | 40.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.1 | 26.4 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 6% |
| Suburb | Brightwaters 2264 | Morisset 2264 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.brightwaters.nsw.edu.au/ | lakemac.heritage.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Brightwaters Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (46.2 vs 40.4).
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie has the higher ICSEA (1002 vs 1001), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 12.7).
- •Heritage College Lake Macquarie is the larger school with 511 students compared with 106.
- •Brightwaters Christian College has grown faster over five years (231% vs 66%).
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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
On the Success Index, Brightwaters Christian College ranks higher (46.2 vs 40.4 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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Brightwaters and Morisset 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 Heritage College Lake Macquarie has 12.7.
How do Brightwaters Christian College and Heritage College Lake Macquarie rank in NSW?
Brightwaters Christian College is 225th of 314 and Heritage College Lake Macquarie is 245th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.