Central Coast Steiner School vs Illawarra Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 134 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Central Coast Steiner School
Fountaindale · Independent combined · K-11
330 students · ICSEA 1092
Illawarra Christian School
Cordeaux Heights · Independent combined · K-12
800 students · ICSEA 1091
| Measure | Central Coast Steiner School Fountaindale NSW | Illawarra Christian School Cordeaux Heights NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #124 of 314 | #137 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #393 of 1,259 | #447 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-11 | K-12 |
| Students | 330 | 800 |
| Girls / boys | 188 / 142 | 428 / 372 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 44 | 81 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 64 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +19% | +30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1092 | 1091 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.7 | 58.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.9 | 35.5 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Fountaindale 2258 | Cordeaux Heights 2526 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ccss.nsw.edu.au/ | www.ics.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Central Coast Steiner School scores higher on the Success Index (63.8 vs 60.9).
- •Central Coast Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1092 vs 1091), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Illawarra Christian School is the larger school with 800 students compared with 330.
- •Illawarra Christian School has grown faster over five years (30% vs 19%).
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 Central Coast Steiner School better than Illawarra Christian School?
On the Success Index, Central Coast Steiner School ranks higher (63.8 vs 60.9 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 Central Coast Steiner School and Illawarra Christian School?
About 134 km in a straight line, between Fountaindale and Cordeaux Heights in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Central Coast Steiner School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Illawarra Christian School has 13.6.
How do Central Coast Steiner School and Illawarra Christian School rank in NSW?
Central Coast Steiner School is 124th of 314 and Illawarra Christian School is 137th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.