Lucas Heights Community School vs Menai Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lucas Heights Community School
Barden Ridge · Government combined · K-12
796 students · ICSEA 1038
Menai Public School
Menai · Government primary · K-6
154 students · ICSEA 1036
| Measure | Lucas Heights Community School Barden Ridge NSW | Menai Public School Menai NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #198 of 314 | #477 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #624 of 1,259 | #1455 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | K-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 796 | 154 |
| Girls / boys | 370 / 426 | 75 / 79 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 23 |
| Year 7 cohort | 69 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 88 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +60% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 1036 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.9 | 14.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.7 | 2.0 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 5% |
| Suburb | Barden Ridge 2234 | Menai 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | lucasheigh-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | menai-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Menai Public School scores higher on the Success Index (65.0 vs 51.4).
- •Lucas Heights Community School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 1036), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lucas Heights Community School is the larger school with 796 students compared with 154.
- •Menai Public School has grown faster over five years (60% vs -1%).
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 Lucas Heights Community School better than Menai Public School?
On the Success Index, Menai Public School ranks higher (65.0 vs 51.4 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 Lucas Heights Community School and Menai Public School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Barden Ridge and Menai in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lucas Heights Community School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Menai Public School has 10.9.
How do Lucas Heights Community School and Menai Public School rank in NSW?
Lucas Heights Community School is 198th of 314 and Menai Public School is 477th of 1,619 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.