Hunter Trade College vs Rutherford Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.3 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
Rutherford Public School
Rutherford · Government primary · K-6
1,007 students · ICSEA 933
| Measure | Hunter Trade College Telarah NSW | Rutherford Public School Rutherford NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 21 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #384 of 539 | #1568 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1073 of 1,472 | #4730 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 11-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 257 | 1,007 |
| Girls / boys | 27 / 230 | 489 / 518 |
| Foundation intake | – | 139 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 933 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 19th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 49% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 17.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 56.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 10.9 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 24% |
| Suburb | Telarah 2320 | Rutherford 2320 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | htc.nsw.edu.au/ | rutherford-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Hunter Trade College scores higher on the Success Index (34.6 vs 21.0).
- •Hunter Trade College has the higher ICSEA (978 vs 933), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Hunter Trade College has fewer students per teacher (16.5 vs 17.8).
- •Rutherford Public School is the larger school with 1,007 students compared with 257.
- •Hunter Trade College is a independent school while Rutherford 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.
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Hunter Trade College better than Rutherford Public School?
On the Success Index, Hunter Trade College ranks higher (34.6 vs 21.0 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 Rutherford Public School?
About 3.3 km in a straight line, between Telarah and Rutherford 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 Rutherford Public School has 17.8.
How do Hunter Trade College and Rutherford Public School rank in NSW?
Hunter Trade College is 384th of 539 and Rutherford Public School is 1568th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.