Goonellabah Public School vs Heckenberg Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 611 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Goonellabah Public School
Goonellabah · Government primary · K-6
226 students · ICSEA 847
Heckenberg Public School
Heckenberg · Government primary · K-6
209 students · ICSEA 848
| Measure | Goonellabah Public School Goonellabah NSW | Heckenberg Public School Heckenberg NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1379 of 1,619 | #1563 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4234 of 4,908 | #4719 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 226 | 209 |
| Girls / boys | 115 / 111 | 105 / 104 |
| Foundation intake | 34 | 27 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 847 | 848 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 81% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 9.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 21.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 2.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 65% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 17% |
| Suburb | Goonellabah 2480 | Heckenberg 2168 |
| Council area | Lismore | Liverpool |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | goonellaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | heckenberg-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Goonellabah Public School scores higher on the Success Index (28.6 vs 21.3).
- •Heckenberg Public School has the higher ICSEA (848 vs 847), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Heckenberg Public School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 11.2).
- •Goonellabah Public School is the larger school with 226 students compared with 209.
- •Heckenberg Public School has grown faster over five years (0% 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 Goonellabah Public School better than Heckenberg Public School?
On the Success Index, Goonellabah Public School ranks higher (28.6 vs 21.3 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 Goonellabah Public School and Heckenberg Public School?
About 611 km in a straight line, between Goonellabah and Heckenberg in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Goonellabah Public School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Heckenberg Public School has 9.8.
How do Goonellabah Public School and Heckenberg Public School rank in NSW?
Goonellabah Public School is 1379th of 1,619 and Heckenberg Public School is 1563rd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.