Hinterland Christian College vs Main Arm Upper Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 8.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Hinterland Christian College
Mullumbimby · Independent combined · K-10
71 students · ICSEA 1048
Main Arm Upper Public School
Upper Main Arm · Government primary · K-6
88 students · ICSEA 1016
| Measure | Hinterland Christian College Mullumbimby NSW | Main Arm Upper Public School Upper Main Arm NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #869 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #2660 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-10 | K-6 |
| Students | 71 | 88 |
| Girls / boys | 35 / 36 | 42 / 46 |
| Foundation intake | 3 | 9 |
| Year 7 cohort | 11 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +37% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1016 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 17.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.6 | 5.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.3 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 7% |
| Suburb | Mullumbimby 2482 | Upper Main Arm 2482 |
| Council area | Byron | Byron |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.hinterland.nsw.edu.au | mainarmup-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Hinterland Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (57.0 vs 50.4).
- •Hinterland Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1048 vs 1016), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Hinterland Christian College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 17.3).
- •Main Arm Upper Public School is the larger school with 88 students compared with 71.
- •Hinterland Christian College has grown faster over five years (37% vs -3%).
- •Hinterland Christian College is a independent school while Main Arm Upper Public School is a government 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 Hinterland Christian College better than Main Arm Upper Public School?
On the Success Index, Hinterland Christian College ranks higher (57.0 vs 50.4 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 Hinterland Christian College and Main Arm Upper Public School?
About 8.6 km in a straight line, between Mullumbimby and Upper Main Arm in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Hinterland Christian College has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Main Arm Upper Public School has 17.3.
How do Hinterland Christian College and Main Arm Upper Public School rank in NSW?
Hinterland Christian College is unranked and Main Arm Upper Public School is 869th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.