Meriden School vs The McDonald College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Meriden School
Strathfield · Independent combined · K-12
1,761 students · ICSEA 1180
The McDonald College
North Strathfield · Independent combined · 1-12
265 students · ICSEA 1123
| Measure | Meriden School Strathfield NSW | The McDonald College North Strathfield NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 86 Top 5% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #10 of 314 | #60 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #31 of 1,259 | #172 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | 1-12 |
| Students | 1,761 | 265 |
| Girls / boys | 1,761 / 0 | 159 / 106 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 192 | 30 |
| Year 12 cohort | 211 | 60 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1180 | 1123 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 10.3 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 170.8 | 27.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 98.7 | 21.5 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Strathfield 2135 | North Strathfield 2137 |
| Council area | Strathfield | Canada Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.meriden.nsw.edu.au | www.mcdonald.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Meriden School scores higher on the Success Index (86.0 vs 75.5).
- •Meriden School has the higher ICSEA (1180 vs 1123), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The McDonald College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 10.3).
- •Meriden School is the larger school with 1,761 students compared with 265.
- •Meriden School has grown faster over five years (30% vs -9%).
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 Meriden School better than The McDonald College?
On the Success Index, Meriden School ranks higher (86.0 vs 75.5 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 Meriden School and The McDonald College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Strathfield and North Strathfield in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Meriden School has 10.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The McDonald College has 9.7.
How do Meriden School and The McDonald College rank in NSW?
Meriden School is 10th of 314 and The McDonald College is 60th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.