Hunter Trade College vs Red Bend Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 336 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Hunter Trade College
Telarah · Independent high school · 11-12
257 students · ICSEA 978
Red Bend Catholic College
Forbes · Independent high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 989
| Measure | Hunter Trade College Telarah NSW | Red Bend Catholic College Forbes NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #384 of 539 | #274 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1073 of 1,472 | #724 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 257 | 880 |
| Girls / boys | 27 / 230 | 465 / 415 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 181 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 128 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 989 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 42th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 75.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 50.6 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 17% |
| Suburb | Telarah 2320 | Forbes 2871 |
| Council area | Maitland | Forbes |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | htc.nsw.edu.au/ | www.redbendcc.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Red Bend Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (50.8 vs 34.6).
- •Red Bend Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (989 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Red Bend Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (11.6 vs 16.5).
- •Red Bend Catholic College is the larger school with 880 students compared with 257.
- •Red Bend Catholic College has grown faster over five years (15% vs 8%).
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 Hunter Trade College better than Red Bend Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Red Bend Catholic College ranks higher (50.8 vs 34.6 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 Hunter Trade College and Red Bend Catholic College?
About 336 km in a straight line, between Telarah and Forbes in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Hunter Trade College has 16.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Red Bend Catholic College has 11.6.
How do Hunter Trade College and Red Bend Catholic College rank in NSW?
Hunter Trade College is 384th of 539 and Red Bend Catholic College is 274th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.