James Meehan High School vs The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 620 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
James Meehan High School
Macquarie Fields · Government high school · 7-12
395 students · ICSEA 884
The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus
Goonellabah · Government high school · 7-12
262 students · ICSEA 884
| Measure | James Meehan High School Macquarie Fields NSW | The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus Goonellabah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 34 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #387 of 539 | #507 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1078 of 1,472 | #1385 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 395 | 262 |
| Girls / boys | 179 / 216 | 127 / 135 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 76 | 50 |
| Year 12 cohort | 34 | 31 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +26% | -35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 884 | 884 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 71% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 8.5 | 6.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 46.5 | 40.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 12.2 |
| Language background other than English | 48% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 33% |
| Suburb | Macquarie Fields 2564 | Goonellabah 2480 |
| Council area | Campbelltown (NSW) | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | jamesmeeha-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | kadina-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •James Meehan High School scores higher on the Success Index (34.4 vs 21.7).
- •The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has fewer students per teacher (6.5 vs 8.5).
- •James Meehan High School is the larger school with 395 students compared with 262.
- •James Meehan High School has grown faster over five years (26% vs -35%).
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 Ingleburn
Frequently asked questions
Is James Meehan High School better than The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?
On the Success Index, James Meehan High School ranks higher (34.4 vs 21.7 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 James Meehan High School and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus?
About 620 km in a straight line, between Macquarie Fields and Goonellabah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
James Meehan High School has 8.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus has 6.5.
How do James Meehan High School and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus rank in NSW?
James Meehan High School is 387th of 539 and The Rivers Secondary College, Kadina High Campus is 507th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.