Macquarie College vs Norwest Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 111 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Macquarie College
Wallsend · Independent combined · K-12
1,060 students · ICSEA 1110
Norwest Christian College
Riverstone · Independent combined · K-12
1,187 students · ICSEA 1109
| Measure | Macquarie College Wallsend NSW | Norwest Christian College Riverstone NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #150 of 314 | #79 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #474 of 1,259 | #222 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,060 | 1,187 |
| Girls / boys | 559 / 501 | 649 / 538 |
| Foundation intake | 65 | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | 110 | 133 |
| Year 12 cohort | 64 | 81 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +24% | +58% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1109 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 14.3 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 73.9 | 86.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 45.3 | 51.8 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 50% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Wallsend 2287 | Riverstone 2765 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Blacktown |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.macquariecollege.nsw.edu.au | www.norwest.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Norwest Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (72.1 vs 59.3).
- •Macquarie College has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 1109), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Norwest Christian College has fewer students per teacher (13.7 vs 14.3).
- •Norwest Christian College is the larger school with 1,187 students compared with 1,060.
- •Norwest Christian College has grown faster over five years (58% vs 24%).
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 Macquarie College better than Norwest Christian College?
On the Success Index, Norwest Christian College ranks higher (72.1 vs 59.3 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 Macquarie College and Norwest Christian College?
About 111 km in a straight line, between Wallsend and Riverstone in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Macquarie College has 14.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Norwest Christian College has 13.7.
How do Macquarie College and Norwest Christian College rank in NSW?
Macquarie College is 150th of 314 and Norwest Christian College is 79th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.