Forbes High School vs Red Bend Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 6.1 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
Red Bend Catholic College
Forbes · Independent high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 989
| Measure | Forbes High School Forbes NSW | Red Bend Catholic College Forbes NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 18 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #531 of 539 | #274 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1433 of 1,472 | #724 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 287 | 880 |
| Girls / boys | 137 / 150 | 465 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 54 | 181 |
| Year 12 cohort | 19 | 128 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 848 | 989 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 69% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 8.0 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.8 | 75.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.2 | 50.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 37% | 17% |
| Suburb | Forbes 2871 | Forbes 2871 |
| Council area | Forbes | Forbes |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | forbes-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Red Bend Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (50.8 vs 17.8).
- •Red Bend Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (989 vs 848), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Forbes High School has fewer students per teacher (8.0 vs 11.6).
- •Red Bend Catholic College is the larger school with 880 students compared with 287.
- •Red Bend Catholic College has grown faster over five years (15% vs -14%).
- •Forbes High School is a government school while Red Bend Catholic College is an independent 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Forbes High School better than Red Bend Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Red Bend Catholic College ranks higher (50.8 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 Red Bend Catholic College?
About 6.1 km in a straight line, between Forbes and Forbes 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 Red Bend Catholic College has 11.6.
How do Forbes High School and Red Bend Catholic College rank in NSW?
Forbes High School is 531st of 539 and Red Bend Catholic College is 274th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.