Emmanuel Anglican College vs Southern Cross School of Distance Education
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 5.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emmanuel Anglican College
Ballina · Independent combined · K-12
878 students · ICSEA 1113
Southern Cross School of Distance Education
East Ballina · Government combined · K-12
79 students · ICSEA 896
| Measure | Emmanuel Anglican College Ballina NSW | Southern Cross School of Distance Education East Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 25% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #107 of 314 | – |
| National rank (type) | #342 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 878 | 79 |
| Girls / boys | 435 / 443 | 43 / 36 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 100 | 8 |
| Year 12 cohort | 55 | 22 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +23% | -85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1113 | 896 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 1.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.9 | 50.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 42.3 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 33% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | East Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.eac.nsw.edu.au | sthcrossc-d.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Emmanuel Anglican College scores higher on the Success Index (66.0 vs 31.0).
- •Emmanuel Anglican College has the higher ICSEA (1113 vs 896), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Cross School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (1.5 vs 12.9).
- •Emmanuel Anglican College is the larger school with 878 students compared with 79.
- •Emmanuel Anglican College has grown faster over five years (23% vs -85%).
- •Emmanuel Anglican College is a independent school while Southern Cross School of Distance Education is a government school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Emmanuel Anglican College better than Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
On the Success Index, Emmanuel Anglican College ranks higher (66.0 vs 31.0 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 Emmanuel Anglican College and Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Ballina and East Ballina in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emmanuel Anglican College has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southern Cross School of Distance Education has 1.5.
How do Emmanuel Anglican College and Southern Cross School of Distance Education rank in NSW?
Emmanuel Anglican College is 107th of 314 and Southern Cross School of Distance Education is unranked among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.