Monaro High School vs Prairiewood High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 308 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Monaro High School
Cooma North · Government high school · 7-12
372 students · ICSEA 977
Prairiewood High School
Prairiewood · Government high school · 7-12
1,288 students · ICSEA 978
| Measure | Monaro High School Cooma North NSW | Prairiewood High School Prairiewood NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #315 of 539 | #326 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #856 of 1,472 | #898 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 372 | 1,288 |
| Girls / boys | 190 / 182 | 611 / 677 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 67 | 218 |
| Year 12 cohort | 45 | 213 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 977 | 978 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 37th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 40% | 44% |
| Students per teacher | 8.7 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 42.8 | 95.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 19.8 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 86% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 2% |
| Suburb | Cooma North 2630 | Prairiewood 2176 |
| Council area | Snowy Monaro | Fairfield |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | monaro-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | prairiewoo-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Monaro High School scores higher on the Success Index (44.2 vs 42.2).
- •Prairiewood High School has the higher ICSEA (978 vs 977), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Monaro High School has fewer students per teacher (8.7 vs 13.5).
- •Prairiewood High School is the larger school with 1,288 students compared with 372.
- •Prairiewood High School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -19%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is Monaro High School better than Prairiewood High School?
On the Success Index, Monaro High School ranks higher (44.2 vs 42.2 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 Monaro High School and Prairiewood High School?
About 308 km in a straight line, between Cooma North and Prairiewood in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Monaro High School has 8.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Prairiewood High School has 13.5.
How do Monaro High School and Prairiewood High School rank in NSW?
Monaro High School is 315th of 539 and Prairiewood High School is 326th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.