McAuley Catholic College vs South Grafton High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
McAuley Catholic College
Clarenza · Catholic high school · 7-12
602 students · ICSEA 1031
South Grafton High School
South Grafton · Government high school · 7-12
639 students · ICSEA 875
| Measure | McAuley Catholic College Clarenza NSW | South Grafton High School South Grafton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #98 of 539 | #494 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #262 of 1,472 | #1350 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 602 | 639 |
| Girls / boys | 334 / 268 | 309 / 330 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 126 | 111 |
| Year 12 cohort | 66 | 62 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 875 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 7th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 64% |
| Students per teacher | 10.5 | 10.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 57.4 | 63.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.0 | 18.5 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 34% |
| Suburb | Clarenza 2460 | South Grafton 2460 |
| Council area | Clarence Valley | Clarence Valley |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.grafslism.catholic.edu.au/ | sthgrafton-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •McAuley Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (71.2 vs 23.3).
- •McAuley Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 875), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •South Grafton High School is the larger school with 639 students compared with 602.
- •McAuley Catholic College has grown faster over five years (18% vs -2%).
- •McAuley Catholic College is a catholic school while South Grafton High School is a government 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 McAuley Catholic College better than South Grafton High School?
On the Success Index, McAuley Catholic College ranks higher (71.2 vs 23.3 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 McAuley Catholic College and South Grafton High School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between Clarenza and South Grafton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
McAuley Catholic College has 10.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and South Grafton High School has 10.0.
How do McAuley Catholic College and South Grafton High School rank in NSW?
McAuley Catholic College is 98th of 539 and South Grafton High School is 494th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.