Nimbin Central School vs Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 8.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nimbin Central School
Nimbin · Government combined · K-12
245 students · ICSEA 956
Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education
Lillian Rock · Independent combined · K-7
89 students · ICSEA 1042
| Measure | Nimbin Central School Nimbin NSW | Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education Lillian Rock NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #260 of 314 | #178 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #943 of 1,259 | #570 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-7 |
| Students | 245 | 89 |
| Girls / boys | 105 / 140 | 45 / 44 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | 1 |
| Year 12 cohort | 29 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 956 | 1042 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 65th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 43% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.6 | 8.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.5 | 6.4 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 6% |
| Suburb | Nimbin 2480 | Lillian Rock 2480 |
| Council area | Lismore | Kyogle |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | nimbin-c.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.rainbowridge.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education scores higher on the Success Index (53.8 vs 35.9).
- •Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education has the higher ICSEA (1042 vs 956), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nimbin Central School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 10.9).
- •Nimbin Central School is the larger school with 245 students compared with 89.
- •Nimbin Central School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -6%).
- •Nimbin Central School is a government school while Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education is an independent 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 Nimbin Central School better than Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education?
On the Success Index, Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education ranks higher (53.8 vs 35.9 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 Nimbin Central School and Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education?
About 8.4 km in a straight line, between Nimbin and Lillian Rock in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nimbin Central School has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education has 10.9.
How do Nimbin Central School and Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education rank in NSW?
Nimbin Central School is 260th of 314 and Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner Education is 178th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.