Cranebrook High School vs Macksville High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 394 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cranebrook High School
Cranebrook · Government high school · 7-12
871 students · ICSEA 916
Macksville High School
Macksville · Government high school · 7-12
365 students · ICSEA 916
| Measure | Cranebrook High School Cranebrook NSW | Macksville High School Macksville NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #457 of 539 | #491 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1253 of 1,472 | #1342 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 871 | 365 |
| Girls / boys | 419 / 452 | 180 / 185 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 171 | 50 |
| Year 12 cohort | 81 | 48 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 916 | 916 |
| ICSEA percentile | 14th | 14th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 58% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.3 | 40.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.4 | 13.0 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 23% | 24% |
| Suburb | Cranebrook 2749 | Macksville 2447 |
| Council area | Penrith | Nambucca Valley |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | cranebrook-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | macksville-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Cranebrook High School scores higher on the Success Index (27.2 vs 23.6).
- •Macksville High School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 12.2).
- •Cranebrook High School is the larger school with 871 students compared with 365.
- •Cranebrook High School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -27%).
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 Cranebrook High School better than Macksville High School?
On the Success Index, Cranebrook High School ranks higher (27.2 vs 23.6 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 Cranebrook High School and Macksville High School?
About 394 km in a straight line, between Cranebrook and Macksville in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cranebrook High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Macksville High School has 9.0.
How do Cranebrook High School and Macksville High School rank in NSW?
Cranebrook High School is 457th of 539 and Macksville High School is 491st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.