Forbes Public School vs Red Bend Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Forbes Public School
Forbes · Government primary · K-6
356 students · ICSEA 940
Red Bend Catholic College
Forbes · Independent high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 989
| Measure | Forbes Public School Forbes NSW | Red Bend Catholic College Forbes NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1219 of 1,619 | #274 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #3790 of 4,908 | #724 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 356 | 880 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 180 | 465 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 181 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 128 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 940 | 989 |
| ICSEA percentile | 21th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 75.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 50.6 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 29% | 17% |
| Suburb | Forbes 2871 | Forbes 2871 |
| Council area | Forbes | Forbes |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | forbes-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Red Bend Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (50.8 vs 34.8).
- •Red Bend Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (989 vs 940), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Red Bend Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 14.5).
- •Red Bend Catholic College is the larger school with 880 students compared with 356.
- •Forbes Public 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 Public School better than Red Bend Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Red Bend Catholic College ranks higher (50.8 vs 34.8 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 Public School and Red Bend Catholic College?
About 3.7 km in a straight line, between Forbes and Forbes in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Forbes Public School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Red Bend Catholic College has 11.6.
How do Forbes Public School and Red Bend Catholic College rank in NSW?
Forbes Public School is 1219th of 1,619 and Red Bend Catholic College is 274th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.