James Ruse Agricultural High School vs St Bernadette's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.3 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
St Bernadette's Primary School
Dundas Valley · Catholic primary · K-6
188 students · ICSEA 1083
| Measure | James Ruse Agricultural High School Carlingford NSW | St Bernadette's Primary School Dundas Valley NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 73 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #93 of 539 | #201 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #255 of 1,472 | #707 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 857 | 188 |
| Girls / boys | 367 / 490 | 83 / 105 |
| Foundation intake | – | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1222 | 1083 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 80% | 31% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 14.0 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 61.3 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.9 | 3.3 |
| Language background other than English | 97% | 55% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Carlingford 2118 | Dundas Valley 2117 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Parramatta |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jamesruse-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.stbernadettesdundas.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Bernadette's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (73.3 vs 71.4).
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School has the higher ICSEA (1222 vs 1083), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School is the larger school with 857 students compared with 188.
- •St Bernadette's Primary School has grown faster over five years (12% vs 0%).
- •James Ruse Agricultural High School is a government school while St Bernadette's Primary School is a catholic 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 James Ruse Agricultural High School better than St Bernadette's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Bernadette's Primary School ranks higher (73.3 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 St Bernadette's Primary School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Carlingford and Dundas Valley 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 St Bernadette's Primary School has 13.6.
How do James Ruse Agricultural High School and St Bernadette's Primary School rank in NSW?
James Ruse Agricultural High School is 93rd of 539 and St Bernadette's Primary School is 201st of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.