Canobolas High School vs James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Canobolas High School
Orange · Government high school · 7-12
546 students · ICSEA 838
James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange
Orange · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 1010
| Measure | Canobolas High School Orange NSW | James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange Orange NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #502 of 539 | #284 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1369 of 1,472 | #766 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 546 | 1,030 |
| Girls / boys | 263 / 283 | 538 / 492 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 115 | 186 |
| Year 12 cohort | 40 | 150 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 838 | 1010 |
| ICSEA percentile | 4th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 72% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 8.6 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.4 | 77.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.8 | 24.5 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 44% | 7% |
| Suburb | Orange 2800 | Orange 2800 |
| Council area | Orange | Orange |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | canobolas-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.jschs.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange scores higher on the Success Index (48.6 vs 22.5).
- •James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange has the higher ICSEA (1010 vs 838), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canobolas High School has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 13.2).
- •James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 546.
- •James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -15%).
- •Canobolas High School is a government school while James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange is a catholic 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Penrith
Frequently asked questions
Is Canobolas High School better than James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange?
On the Success Index, James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange ranks higher (48.6 vs 22.5 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 Canobolas High School and James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Orange and Orange in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Canobolas High School has 8.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange has 13.2.
How do Canobolas High School and James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange rank in NSW?
Canobolas High School is 502nd of 539 and James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange is 284th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.