Cowra High School vs James Meehan High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 204 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cowra High School
Cowra · Government high school · 7-12
439 students · ICSEA 884
James Meehan High School
Macquarie Fields · Government high school · 7-12
395 students · ICSEA 884
| Measure | Cowra High School Cowra NSW | James Meehan High School Macquarie Fields NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 19 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #523 of 539 | #387 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1419 of 1,472 | #1078 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 439 | 395 |
| Girls / boys | 206 / 233 | 179 / 216 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 90 | 76 |
| Year 12 cohort | 56 | 34 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +26% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 884 | 884 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 62% | 71% |
| Students per teacher | 9.3 | 8.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 47.3 | 46.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.4 | 15.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 48% |
| Indigenous students | 29% | 20% |
| Suburb | Cowra 2794 | Macquarie Fields 2564 |
| Council area | Cowra | Campbelltown (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | cowra-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | jamesmeeha-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •James Meehan High School scores higher on the Success Index (34.4 vs 18.8).
- •James Meehan High School has fewer students per teacher (8.5 vs 9.3).
- •Cowra High School is the larger school with 439 students compared with 395.
- •James Meehan High School has grown faster over five years (26% vs -17%).
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 Cowra High School better than James Meehan High School?
On the Success Index, James Meehan High School ranks higher (34.4 vs 18.8 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 Cowra High School and James Meehan High School?
About 204 km in a straight line, between Cowra and Macquarie Fields in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cowra High School has 9.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and James Meehan High School has 8.5.
How do Cowra High School and James Meehan High School rank in NSW?
Cowra High School is 523rd of 539 and James Meehan High School is 387th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.