Goonellabah Public School vs Lismore Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 3.1 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
Lismore Public School
Lismore · Government primary · K-6
179 students · ICSEA 871
| Measure | Goonellabah Public School Goonellabah NSW | Lismore Public School Lismore NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1379 of 1,619 | #1569 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #4234 of 4,908 | #4732 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 226 | 179 |
| Girls / boys | 115 / 111 | 70 / 109 |
| Foundation intake | 34 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | -28% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 847 | 871 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 70% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 8.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 20.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 6.9 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 34% |
| Suburb | Goonellabah 2480 | Lismore 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | goonellaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | lismore-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Goonellabah Public School scores higher on the Success Index (28.6 vs 20.9).
- •Lismore Public School has the higher ICSEA (871 vs 847), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lismore Public School has fewer students per teacher (8.8 vs 11.2).
- •Goonellabah Public School is the larger school with 226 students compared with 179.
- •Goonellabah Public School has grown faster over five years (-15% vs -28%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Goonellabah Public School better than Lismore Public School?
On the Success Index, Goonellabah Public School ranks higher (28.6 vs 20.9 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 Goonellabah Public School and Lismore Public School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Goonellabah and Lismore 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 Lismore Public School has 8.8.
How do Goonellabah Public School and Lismore Public School rank in NSW?
Goonellabah Public School is 1379th of 1,619 and Lismore Public School is 1569th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.