Cessnock High School vs Kearsley Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cessnock High School
Cessnock · Government high school · 7-12
616 students · ICSEA 892
Kearsley Public School
Kearsley · Government primary · K-6
114 students · ICSEA 897
| Measure | Cessnock High School Cessnock NSW | Kearsley Public School Kearsley NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #418 of 539 | #1498 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1154 of 1,472 | #4559 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 616 | 114 |
| Girls / boys | 307 / 309 | 54 / 60 |
| Foundation intake | – | 18 |
| Year 7 cohort | 127 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 49 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 892 | 897 |
| ICSEA percentile | 9th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 69% | 60% |
| Students per teacher | 9.6 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.2 | 8.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 20.5 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 24% | 35% |
| Suburb | Cessnock 2325 | Kearsley 2325 |
| Council area | Cessnock | Cessnock |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cessnock-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | kearsley-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Cessnock High School scores higher on the Success Index (31.0 vs 24.0).
- •Kearsley Public School has the higher ICSEA (897 vs 892), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cessnock High School has fewer students per teacher (9.6 vs 13.3).
- •Cessnock High School is the larger school with 616 students compared with 114.
- •Cessnock High School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -3%).
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Cessnock High School better than Kearsley Public School?
On the Success Index, Cessnock High School ranks higher (31.0 vs 24.0 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 Cessnock High School and Kearsley Public School?
About 3.0 km in a straight line, between Cessnock and Kearsley in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cessnock High School has 9.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kearsley Public School has 13.3.
How do Cessnock High School and Kearsley Public School rank in NSW?
Cessnock High School is 418th of 539 and Kearsley Public School is 1498th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.