Lismore Public School vs Living 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.
Lismore Public School
Lismore · Government primary · K-6
179 students · ICSEA 871
Living School
Lismore · Independent combined · K-12
313 students · ICSEA 1037
| Measure | Lismore Public School Lismore NSW | Living School Lismore NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1569 of 1,619 | #131 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #4732 of 4,908 | #421 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 179 | 313 |
| Girls / boys | 70 / 109 | 150 / 163 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 22 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 12 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -28% | +219% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 871 | 1037 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 70% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.3 | 32.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.9 | 21.0 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 34% | 15% |
| Suburb | Lismore 2480 | Lismore 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | lismore-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | living.school |
The verdict
- •Living School scores higher on the Success Index (62.0 vs 20.9).
- •Living School has the higher ICSEA (1037 vs 871), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lismore Public School has fewer students per teacher (8.8 vs 9.7).
- •Living School is the larger school with 313 students compared with 179.
- •Living School has grown faster over five years (219% vs -28%).
- •Lismore Public School is a government school while Living School is an independent 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 Lismore Public School better than Living School?
On the Success Index, Living School ranks higher (62.0 vs 20.9 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 Lismore Public School and Living School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Lismore and Lismore in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lismore Public School has 8.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Living School has 9.7.
How do Lismore Public School and Living School rank in NSW?
Lismore Public School is 1569th of 1,619 and Living School is 131st of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.