Broken Hill High School vs Cessnock High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 935 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Broken Hill High School
Broken Hill · Government high school · 7-12
411 students · ICSEA 892
Cessnock High School
Cessnock · Government high school · 7-12
616 students · ICSEA 892
| Measure | Broken Hill High School Broken Hill NSW | Cessnock High School Cessnock NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 22 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #508 of 539 | #418 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1386 of 1,472 | #1154 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 411 | 616 |
| Girls / boys | 216 / 195 | 307 / 309 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 69 | 127 |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | 49 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 892 | 892 |
| ICSEA percentile | 9th | 9th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 60% | 69% |
| Students per teacher | 8.3 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 49.6 | 64.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 20.5 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 26% | 24% |
| Suburb | Broken Hill 2880 | Cessnock 2325 |
| Council area | Broken Hill | Cessnock |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | brokenhill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | cessnock-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Cessnock High School scores higher on the Success Index (31.0 vs 21.6).
- •Broken Hill High School has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 9.6).
- •Cessnock High School is the larger school with 616 students compared with 411.
- •Cessnock High School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -20%).
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 Broken Hill High School better than Cessnock High School?
On the Success Index, Cessnock High School ranks higher (31.0 vs 21.6 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 Broken Hill High School and Cessnock High School?
About 935 km in a straight line, between Broken Hill and Cessnock in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Broken Hill High School has 8.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Cessnock High School has 9.6.
How do Broken Hill High School and Cessnock High School rank in NSW?
Broken Hill High School is 508th of 539 and Cessnock High School is 418th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.