Lucas Heights Community School vs Shire Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 401 m 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
Shire Christian School
Barden Ridge · Independent combined · K-12
926 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Lucas Heights Community School Barden Ridge NSW | Shire Christian School Barden Ridge NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #198 of 314 | #125 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #624 of 1,259 | #395 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 796 | 926 |
| Girls / boys | 370 / 426 | 453 / 473 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 69 | 97 |
| Year 12 cohort | 88 | 64 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.9 | 68.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.7 | 38.2 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Barden Ridge 2234 | Barden Ridge 2234 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | lucasheigh-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.shirechristian.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Shire Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (63.8 vs 51.4).
- •Shire Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1038), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lucas Heights Community School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.5).
- •Shire Christian School is the larger school with 926 students compared with 796.
- •Shire Christian School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -1%).
- •Lucas Heights Community School is a government school while Shire Christian 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 Lucas Heights Community School better than Shire Christian School?
On the Success Index, Shire Christian School ranks higher (63.8 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 Shire Christian School?
About 401 m in a straight line, between Barden Ridge and Barden Ridge 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 Shire Christian School has 13.5.
How do Lucas Heights Community School and Shire Christian School rank in NSW?
Lucas Heights Community School is 198th of 314 and Shire Christian School is 125th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.