Holy Spirit Catholic College vs Rissalah College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 852 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit Catholic College
Lakemba · Catholic high school · 7-12
730 students · ICSEA 999
Rissalah College
Lakemba · Independent combined · K-12
946 students · ICSEA 1041
| Measure | Holy Spirit Catholic College Lakemba NSW | Rissalah College Lakemba NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #340 of 539 | #205 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #961 of 1,472 | #655 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 730 | 946 |
| Girls / boys | 352 / 378 | 528 / 418 |
| Foundation intake | – | 73 |
| Year 7 cohort | 110 | 77 |
| Year 12 cohort | 113 | 18 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -22% | +59% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 1041 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 15.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.4 | 61.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 28.0 |
| Language background other than English | 96% | 88% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Lakemba 2195 | Lakemba 2195 |
| Council area | Canterbury-Bankstown | Canterbury-Bankstown |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | holyspiritlakemba.syd.catholic.edu.au | www.rissalah.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Rissalah College scores higher on the Success Index (50.1 vs 39.7).
- •Rissalah College has the higher ICSEA (1041 vs 999), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Holy Spirit Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 15.4).
- •Rissalah College is the larger school with 946 students compared with 730.
- •Rissalah College has grown faster over five years (59% vs -22%).
- •Holy Spirit Catholic College is a catholic school while Rissalah 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 Holy Spirit Catholic College better than Rissalah College?
On the Success Index, Rissalah College ranks higher (50.1 vs 39.7 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 Holy Spirit Catholic College and Rissalah College?
About 852 m in a straight line, between Lakemba and Lakemba in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit Catholic College has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Rissalah College has 15.4.
How do Holy Spirit Catholic College and Rissalah College rank in NSW?
Holy Spirit Catholic College is 340th of 539 and Rissalah College is 205th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.