Goonellabah Public School vs Summerland Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two 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
Summerland Christian College
Goonellabah · Independent combined · K-12
628 students · ICSEA 1042
| Measure | Goonellabah Public School Goonellabah NSW | Summerland Christian College Goonellabah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1379 of 1,619 | #222 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4234 of 4,908 | #703 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 226 | 628 |
| Girls / boys | 115 / 111 | 329 / 299 |
| Foundation intake | 34 | 47 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 57 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 32 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | +22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 847 | 1042 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 42.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 27.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 6% |
| Suburb | Goonellabah 2480 | Goonellabah 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | goonellaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.mysccollege.com/ |
The verdict
- •Summerland Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (47.7 vs 28.6).
- •Summerland Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1042 vs 847), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Goonellabah Public School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 15.0).
- •Summerland Christian College is the larger school with 628 students compared with 226.
- •Summerland Christian College has grown faster over five years (22% vs -15%).
- •Goonellabah Public School is a government school while Summerland Christian 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 Goonellabah Public School better than Summerland Christian College?
On the Success Index, Summerland Christian College ranks higher (47.7 vs 28.6 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 Summerland Christian College?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Goonellabah and Goonellabah 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 Summerland Christian College has 15.0.
How do Goonellabah Public School and Summerland Christian College rank in NSW?
Goonellabah Public School is 1379th of 1,619 and Summerland Christian College is 222nd of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.