Living School vs St John's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 3.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Living School
Lismore · Independent combined · K-12
313 students · ICSEA 1037
St John's College
Lismore · Catholic high school · 7-12
774 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Living School Lismore NSW | St John's College Lismore NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 62 Top 50% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #131 of 314 | #121 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #421 of 1,259 | #307 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 313 | 774 |
| Girls / boys | 150 / 163 | 385 / 389 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 22 | 156 |
| Year 12 cohort | 12 | 97 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +219% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1037 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.2 | 65.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.0 | 27.0 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 4% |
| Suburb | Lismore 2480 | Lismore 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Lismore |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | living.school | www.lisjclism.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's College scores higher on the Success Index (69.0 vs 62.0).
- •St John's College has the higher ICSEA (1059 vs 1037), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Living School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 11.9).
- •St John's College is the larger school with 774 students compared with 313.
- •Living School has grown faster over five years (219% vs 3%).
- •Living School is a independent school while St John's College 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 Living School better than St John's College?
On the Success Index, St John's College ranks higher (69.0 vs 62.0 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 Living School and St John's College?
About 3.8 km in a straight line, between Lismore and Lismore in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Living School has 9.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College has 11.9.
How do Living School and St John's College rank in NSW?
Living School is 131st of 314 and St John's College is 121st of 539 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.