Gulgong High School vs Muswellbrook High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 128 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gulgong High School
Gulgong · Government high school · 7-12
213 students · ICSEA 868
Muswellbrook High School
Muswellbrook · Government high school · 7-12
648 students · ICSEA 869
| Measure | Gulgong High School Gulgong NSW | Muswellbrook High School Muswellbrook NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 19 Lower 50% | 15 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #522 of 539 | #539 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1418 of 1,472 | #1460 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 213 | 648 |
| Girls / boys | 103 / 110 | 325 / 323 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 43 | 106 |
| Year 12 cohort | 15 | 79 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -29% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 868 | 869 |
| ICSEA percentile | 6th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 74% | 69% |
| Students per teacher | 7.9 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 27.0 | 62.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 18.7 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 28% | 31% |
| Suburb | Gulgong 2852 | Muswellbrook 2333 |
| Council area | Mid-Western | Muswellbrook |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | gulgong-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | muswellbro-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Gulgong High School scores higher on the Success Index (19.0 vs 15.1).
- •Muswellbrook High School has the higher ICSEA (869 vs 868), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Gulgong High School has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 10.4).
- •Muswellbrook High School is the larger school with 648 students compared with 213.
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 Penrith
Frequently asked questions
Is Gulgong High School better than Muswellbrook High School?
On the Success Index, Gulgong High School ranks higher (19.0 vs 15.1 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 Gulgong High School and Muswellbrook High School?
About 128 km in a straight line, between Gulgong and Muswellbrook in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gulgong High School has 7.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Muswellbrook High School has 10.4.
How do Gulgong High School and Muswellbrook High School rank in NSW?
Gulgong High School is 522nd of 539 and Muswellbrook High School is 539th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.