Goonellabah Public School vs Trinity Catholic College Lismore
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.5 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
Trinity Catholic College Lismore
East Lismore · Independent high school · 7-12
816 students · ICSEA 1055
| Measure | Goonellabah Public School Goonellabah NSW | Trinity Catholic College Lismore East Lismore NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1379 of 1,619 | #159 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #4234 of 4,908 | #401 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 226 | 816 |
| Girls / boys | 115 / 111 | 445 / 371 |
| Foundation intake | 34 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 126 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 115 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -15% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 847 | 1055 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 64.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 34.0 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 6% |
| Suburb | Goonellabah 2480 | East Lismore 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | goonellaba-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.trinitylismore.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Trinity Catholic College Lismore scores higher on the Success Index (65.1 vs 28.6).
- •Trinity Catholic College Lismore has the higher ICSEA (1055 vs 847), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Goonellabah Public School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 12.7).
- •Trinity Catholic College Lismore is the larger school with 816 students compared with 226.
- •Goonellabah Public School is a government school while Trinity Catholic College Lismore 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 Trinity Catholic College Lismore?
On the Success Index, Trinity Catholic College Lismore ranks higher (65.1 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 Trinity Catholic College Lismore?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Goonellabah and East 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 Trinity Catholic College Lismore has 12.7.
How do Goonellabah Public School and Trinity Catholic College Lismore rank in NSW?
Goonellabah Public School is 1379th of 1,619 and Trinity Catholic College Lismore is 159th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.