Coonabarabran High School vs Orara High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 382 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Coonabarabran High School
Coonabarabran · Government high school · 7-12
298 students · ICSEA 898
Orara High School
Coffs Harbour · Government high school · 7-12
858 students · ICSEA 896
| Measure | Coonabarabran High School Coonabarabran NSW | Orara High School Coffs Harbour NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 24 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #490 of 539 | #420 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1339 of 1,472 | #1157 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 298 | 858 |
| Girls / boys | 150 / 148 | 412 / 446 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 67 | 168 |
| Year 12 cohort | 30 | 58 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | +32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 898 | 896 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 60% |
| Students per teacher | 8.7 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.2 | 76.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.2 | 20.5 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 31% | 24% |
| Suburb | Coonabarabran 2357 | Coffs Harbour 2450 |
| Council area | Warrumbungle | Coffs Harbour |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | coonabarab-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | orara-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Orara High School scores higher on the Success Index (31.0 vs 23.9).
- •Coonabarabran High School has the higher ICSEA (898 vs 896), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Coonabarabran High School has fewer students per teacher (8.7 vs 11.1).
- •Orara High School is the larger school with 858 students compared with 298.
- •Orara High School has grown faster over five years (32% vs -15%).
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 Coonabarabran High School better than Orara High School?
On the Success Index, Orara High School ranks higher (31.0 vs 23.9 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 Coonabarabran High School and Orara High School?
About 382 km in a straight line, between Coonabarabran and Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Coonabarabran High School has 8.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Orara High School has 11.1.
How do Coonabarabran High School and Orara High School rank in NSW?
Coonabarabran High School is 490th of 539 and Orara High School is 420th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.