Macquarie University Special Education Centre vs NextSense School - Spoken Language Program
A head-to-head comparison of two special schools in New South Wales, 426 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Macquarie University Special Education Centre
Macquarie University · Independent special · U
47 students · ICSEA 1074
NextSense School - Spoken Language Program
Macquarie Park · Independent special · U
22 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | Macquarie University Special Education Centre Macquarie University NSW | NextSense School - Spoken Language Program Macquarie Park NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | – | – |
| National rank (type) | – | – |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Special | Special |
| Year range | U | U |
| Students | 47 | 22 |
| Girls / boys | 12 / 35 | 7 / 15 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | -33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1074 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 77th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 4.7 | 3.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 6.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.6 | 5.0 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 5% |
| Suburb | Macquarie University 2109 | Macquarie Park 2113 |
| Council area | Ryde | Ryde |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/healthy-people/centres/musec-school | www.ridbc.org.au |
The verdict
- •Macquarie University Special Education Centre has the higher ICSEA (1074 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •NextSense School - Spoken Language Program has fewer students per teacher (3.6 vs 4.7).
- •Macquarie University Special Education Centre is the larger school with 47 students compared with 22.
- •Macquarie University Special Education Centre has grown faster over five years (9% vs -33%).
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 University Special Education Centre better than NextSense School - Spoken Language Program?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Macquarie University Special Education Centre and NextSense School - Spoken Language Program?
About 426 m in a straight line, between Macquarie University and Macquarie Park in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Macquarie University Special Education Centre has 4.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and NextSense School - Spoken Language Program has 3.6.
How do Macquarie University Special Education Centre and NextSense School - Spoken Language Program rank in NSW?
Macquarie University Special Education Centre is unranked and NextSense School - Spoken Language Program is unranked among special schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.