Hunter Trade College vs Rutherford Technology High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 3.2 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 Technology High School
Rutherford · Government high school · 7-12
1,405 students · ICSEA 922
| Measure | Hunter Trade College Telarah NSW | Rutherford Technology High School Rutherford NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #384 of 539 | #422 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1073 of 1,472 | #1164 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 257 | 1,405 |
| Girls / boys | 27 / 230 | 677 / 728 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 290 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 119 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 922 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 16th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 56% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 110.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 27.8 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 21% |
| Suburb | Telarah 2320 | Rutherford 2320 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | htc.nsw.edu.au/ | rutherford-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Hunter Trade College scores higher on the Success Index (34.6 vs 30.6).
- •Hunter Trade College has the higher ICSEA (978 vs 922), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Rutherford Technology High School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 16.5).
- •Rutherford Technology High School is the larger school with 1,405 students compared with 257.
- •Rutherford Technology High School has grown faster over five years (20% vs 8%).
- •Hunter Trade College is a independent school while Rutherford Technology High 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 Hunter Trade College better than Rutherford Technology High School?
On the Success Index, Hunter Trade College ranks higher (34.6 vs 30.6 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 Rutherford Technology High School?
About 3.2 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 Technology High School has 12.7.
How do Hunter Trade College and Rutherford Technology High School rank in NSW?
Hunter Trade College is 384th of 539 and Rutherford Technology High School is 422nd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.