Coolah Central School vs Southern Cross School of Distance Education
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 496 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coolah Central School
Coolah · Government combined · K-12
148 students · ICSEA 896
Southern Cross School of Distance Education
East Ballina · Government combined · K-12
79 students · ICSEA 896
| Measure | Coolah Central School Coolah NSW | Southern Cross School of Distance Education East Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 30 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #288 of 314 | – |
| National rank (type) | #1078 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 148 | 79 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 74 | 43 / 36 |
| Foundation intake | 11 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 13 | 8 |
| Year 12 cohort | 6 | 22 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -27% | -85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 896 | 896 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 8.4 | 1.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.7 | 50.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.4 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 27% | 33% |
| Suburb | Coolah 2843 | East Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Warrumbungle | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | coolah-c.schools.nsw.gov.au | sthcrossc-d.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Southern Cross School of Distance Education scores higher on the Success Index (31.0 vs 29.8).
- •Southern Cross School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (1.5 vs 8.4).
- •Coolah Central School is the larger school with 148 students compared with 79.
- •Coolah Central School has grown faster over five years (-27% vs -85%).
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 Coolah Central School better than Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
On the Success Index, Southern Cross School of Distance Education ranks higher (31.0 vs 29.8 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 Coolah Central School and Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
About 496 km in a straight line, between Coolah and East Ballina in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coolah Central School has 8.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Cross School of Distance Education has 1.5.
How do Coolah Central School and Southern Cross School of Distance Education rank in NSW?
Coolah Central School is 288th of 314 and Southern Cross School of Distance Education is unranked among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.