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Goonellabah Public School vs The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureGoonellabah Public School
Goonellabah NSW
The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus
Goonellabah NSW
Success Index
29
Lower 50%
22
Lower 50%
State rank (type)#1379 of 1,619#507 of 539
National rank (type)#4234 of 4,908#1385 of 1,472
SectorGovernmentGovernment
TypePrimarySecondary
Year rangeK-67-12
Students226262
Girls / boys115 / 111127 / 135
Foundation intake34–
Year 7 cohort–50
Year 12 cohort–31
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-15%-35%
ICSEA
Average 1000
847884
ICSEA percentile5th8th
Top SEA quarter5%4%
Bottom SEA quarter68%58%
Students per teacher11.26.5
Teaching staff (FTE)20.240.0
Non-teaching staff (FTE)4.512.2
Language background other than English6%9%
Indigenous students47%33%
SuburbGoonellabah 2480Goonellabah 2480
Council areaLismoreLismore
RemotenessInner RegionalInner Regional
Websitegoonellaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.aukadina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

The verdict

  • •Goonellabah Public School scores higher on the Success Index (28.6 vs 21.7).
  • •The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has the higher ICSEA (884 vs 847), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has fewer students per teacher (6.5 vs 11.2).
  • •The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus is the larger school with 262 students compared with 226.
  • •Goonellabah Public School has grown faster over five years (-15% vs -35%).

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 The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?

On the Success Index, Goonellabah Public School ranks higher (28.6 vs 21.7 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 The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?

About 1.6 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 The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has 6.5.

How do Goonellabah Public School and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus rank in NSW?

Goonellabah Public School is 1379th of 1,619 and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus is 507th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.