Carlingford High School vs James Ruse Agricultural High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carlingford High School
Carlingford · Government high school · 7-12
1,772 students · ICSEA 1111
James Ruse Agricultural High School
Carlingford · Government high school · 7-12
857 students · ICSEA 1222
| Measure | Carlingford High School Carlingford NSW | James Ruse Agricultural High School Carlingford NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #76 of 539 | #93 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #212 of 1,472 | #255 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,772 | 857 |
| Girls / boys | 688 / 1,084 | 367 / 490 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 391 | 119 |
| Year 12 cohort | 268 | 158 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +28% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1111 | 1222 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 80% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 119.4 | 61.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 13.9 |
| Language background other than English | 84% | 97% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Carlingford 2118 | Carlingford 2118 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Parramatta |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | carlingfor-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | jamesruse-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Carlingford High School scores higher on the Success Index (72.9 vs 71.4).
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School has the higher ICSEA (1222 vs 1111), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School has fewer students per teacher (14.0 vs 14.8).
- •Carlingford High School is the larger school with 1,772 students compared with 857.
- •Carlingford High School has grown faster over five years (28% vs 0%).
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 Carlingford High School better than James Ruse Agricultural High School?
On the Success Index, Carlingford High School ranks higher (72.9 vs 71.4 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 Carlingford High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Carlingford and Carlingford in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carlingford High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and James Ruse Agricultural High School has 14.0.
How do Carlingford High School and James Ruse Agricultural High School rank in NSW?
Carlingford High School is 76th of 539 and James Ruse Agricultural High School is 93rd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.