Cerdon College vs Fowler Road School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 791 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cerdon College
Merrylands · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,001 students · ICSEA 1041
Fowler Road School
Merrylands · Government special · U
55 students · ICSEA 895
| Measure | Cerdon College Merrylands NSW | Fowler Road School Merrylands NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #248 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #654 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Special |
| Year range | 7-12 | U |
| Students | 1,001 | 55 |
| Girls / boys | 1,001 / 0 | 11 / 44 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 168 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 895 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 64% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 5.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.6 | 10.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 11.4 |
| Language background other than English | 72% | 60% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 24% |
| Suburb | Merrylands 2160 | Merrylands 2160 |
| Council area | Cumberland | Cumberland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cerdonmerrylands.catholic.edu.au | fowlerroad-s.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Cerdon College has the higher ICSEA (1041 vs 895), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fowler Road School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 13.8).
- •Cerdon College is the larger school with 1,001 students compared with 55.
- •Fowler Road School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -8%).
- •Cerdon College is a catholic school while Fowler Road School is a government 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cerdon College better than Fowler Road School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Cerdon College and Fowler Road School?
About 791 m in a straight line, between Merrylands and Merrylands in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cerdon College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fowler Road School has 5.3.
How do Cerdon College and Fowler Road School rank in NSW?
Cerdon College is 248th of 539 and Fowler Road School is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.