Maclean High School vs Pacific Valley Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Maclean High School
Maclean · Government high school · 7-12
689 students · ICSEA 959
Pacific Valley Christian School
Townsend · Independent combined · K-12
277 students · ICSEA 985
| Measure | Maclean High School Maclean NSW | Pacific Valley Christian School Townsend NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #328 of 539 | #262 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #909 of 1,472 | #976 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 689 | 277 |
| Girls / boys | 346 / 343 | 137 / 140 |
| Foundation intake | – | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | 99 | 33 |
| Year 12 cohort | 89 | 16 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 959 | 985 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 40th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 42% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.9 | 23.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.1 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 10% |
| Suburb | Maclean 2463 | Townsend 2463 |
| Council area | Clarence Valley | Clarence Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | maclean-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.pacificvalley.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Maclean High School scores higher on the Success Index (41.9 vs 34.2).
- •Pacific Valley Christian School has the higher ICSEA (985 vs 959), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Maclean High School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 11.6).
- •Maclean High School is the larger school with 689 students compared with 277.
- •Maclean High School is a government school while Pacific Valley 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 Maclean High School better than Pacific Valley Christian School?
On the Success Index, Maclean High School ranks higher (41.9 vs 34.2 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 Maclean High School and Pacific Valley Christian School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Maclean and Townsend in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Maclean High School has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pacific Valley Christian School has 11.6.
How do Maclean High School and Pacific Valley Christian School rank in NSW?
Maclean High School is 328th of 539 and Pacific Valley Christian School is 262nd of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.