James Ruse Agricultural High School vs Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 22 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
James Ruse Agricultural High School
Carlingford · Government high school · 7-12
857 students · ICSEA 1222
Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus
North Curl Curl · Government high school · 7-12
766 students · ICSEA 1217
| Measure | James Ruse Agricultural High School Carlingford NSW | Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus North Curl Curl NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #93 of 539 | #46 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #255 of 1,472 | #123 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 857 | 766 |
| Girls / boys | 367 / 490 | 307 / 459 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 120 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 128 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1222 | 1217 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 80% | 79% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 14.0 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 61.3 | 59.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 11.1 |
| Language background other than English | 97% | 61% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Carlingford 2118 | North Curl Curl 2099 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jamesruse-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | nbscmanlys-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus scores higher on the Success Index (76.6 vs 71.4).
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School has the higher ICSEA (1222 vs 1217), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 14.0).
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School is the larger school with 857 students compared with 766.
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 James Ruse Agricultural High School better than Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus?
On the Success Index, Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus ranks higher (76.6 vs 71.4 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 Ruse Agricultural High School and Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus?
About 22 km in a straight line, between Carlingford and North Curl Curl in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
James Ruse Agricultural High School has 14.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus has 12.9.
How do James Ruse Agricultural High School and Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus rank in NSW?
James Ruse Agricultural High School is 93rd of 539 and Northern Beaches Secondary College Manly Campus is 46th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.