Hunter Trade College vs The Heights Learning Community
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.7 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
The Heights Learning Community
Gillieston Heights · Independent primary · K-3
14 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | Hunter Trade College Telarah NSW | The Heights Learning Community Gillieston Heights NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 35 Lower 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #384 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #1073 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 11-12 | K-3 |
| Students | 257 | 14 |
| Girls / boys | 27 / 230 | 7 / 7 |
| Foundation intake | – | 5 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 38% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | – |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.6 | 3.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 0.6 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 7% |
| Suburb | Telarah 2320 | Gillieston Heights 2321 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | htc.nsw.edu.au/ | www.theheights.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •The Heights Learning Community scores higher on the Success Index (68.5 vs 34.6).
- •The Heights Learning Community has the higher ICSEA (1058 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Hunter Trade College is the larger school with 257 students compared with 14.
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 The Heights Learning Community?
On the Success Index, The Heights Learning Community ranks higher (68.5 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 The Heights Learning Community?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Telarah and Gillieston Heights in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Staffing data is not available for one of the schools.
How do Hunter Trade College and The Heights Learning Community rank in NSW?
Hunter Trade College is 384th of 539 and The Heights Learning Community is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.