Forbes High School vs Kempsey High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 520 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forbes High School
Forbes · Government high school · 7-12
287 students · ICSEA 848
Kempsey High School
Kempsey · Government high school · 7-12
584 students · ICSEA 848
| Measure | Forbes High School Forbes NSW | Kempsey High School Kempsey NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 18 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #531 of 539 | #451 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1433 of 1,472 | #1234 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 287 | 584 |
| Girls / boys | 137 / 150 | 290 / 294 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 54 | 99 |
| Year 12 cohort | 19 | 44 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +28% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 848 | 848 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 69% | 66% |
| Students per teacher | 8.0 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.8 | 60.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.2 | 18.7 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 37% | 46% |
| Suburb | Forbes 2871 | Kempsey 2440 |
| Council area | Forbes | Kempsey |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | forbes-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | kempsey-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Kempsey High School scores higher on the Success Index (28.0 vs 17.8).
- •Forbes High School has fewer students per teacher (8.0 vs 9.5).
- •Kempsey High School is the larger school with 584 students compared with 287.
- •Kempsey High School has grown faster over five years (28% vs -14%).
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 Forbes High School better than Kempsey High School?
On the Success Index, Kempsey High School ranks higher (28.0 vs 17.8 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 Forbes High School and Kempsey High School?
About 520 km in a straight line, between Forbes and Kempsey in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forbes High School has 8.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kempsey High School has 9.5.
How do Forbes High School and Kempsey High School rank in NSW?
Forbes High School is 531st of 539 and Kempsey High School is 451st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.