Five Islands Secondary College vs John Edmondson High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 61 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Five Islands Secondary College
Port Kembla · Government high school · 9-12
293 students · ICSEA 983
John Edmondson High School
Horningsea Park · Government high school · 7-12
1,084 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | Five Islands Secondary College Port Kembla NSW | John Edmondson High School Horningsea Park NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #272 of 539 | #365 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #715 of 1,472 | #1025 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 9-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 293 | 1,084 |
| Girls / boys | 199 / 94 | 514 / 570 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 182 |
| Year 12 cohort | 79 | 134 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | -7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 983 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 39th | 39th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 42% |
| Students per teacher | 7.2 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.5 | 75.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.0 | 13.2 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 77% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 3% |
| Suburb | Port Kembla 2505 | Horningsea Park 2171 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Liverpool |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | fiveislands-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | jedmondson-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Five Islands Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (51.2 vs 36.9).
- •Five Islands Secondary College has the higher ICSEA (983 vs 982), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Five Islands Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (7.2 vs 14.4).
- •John Edmondson High School is the larger school with 1,084 students compared with 293.
- •John Edmondson High School has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -15%).
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 Five Islands Secondary College better than John Edmondson High School?
On the Success Index, Five Islands Secondary College ranks higher (51.2 vs 36.9 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 Five Islands Secondary College and John Edmondson High School?
About 61 km in a straight line, between Port Kembla and Horningsea Park in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Five Islands Secondary College has 7.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and John Edmondson High School has 14.4.
How do Five Islands Secondary College and John Edmondson High School rank in NSW?
Five Islands Secondary College is 272nd of 539 and John Edmondson High School is 365th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.