Richmond Christian College vs Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 33 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Richmond Christian College
Ballina · Independent combined · K-12
327 students · ICSEA 1069
Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School
Mullumbimby · Independent combined · K-12
587 students · ICSEA 1070
| Measure | Richmond Christian College Ballina NSW | Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School Mullumbimby NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #122 of 314 | #154 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #390 of 1,259 | #482 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 327 | 587 |
| Girls / boys | 158 / 169 | 315 / 272 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 52 |
| Year 7 cohort | 35 | 50 |
| Year 12 cohort | 22 | 34 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +58% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1070 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 10.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.2 | 58.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 46.1 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 6% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | Mullumbimby 2482 |
| Council area | Ballina | Byron |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.richmond.nsw.edu.au | www.shearwater.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Richmond Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 58.8).
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1070 vs 1069), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 13.0).
- •Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School is the larger school with 587 students compared with 327.
- •Richmond Christian College has grown faster over five years (58% vs -10%).
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 Richmond Christian College better than Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Richmond Christian College ranks higher (64.1 vs 58.8 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 Richmond Christian College and Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School?
About 33 km in a straight line, between Ballina and Mullumbimby in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Richmond Christian College has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School has 10.0.
How do Richmond Christian College and Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School rank in NSW?
Richmond Christian College is 122nd of 314 and Shearwater, the Mullumbimby Steiner School is 154th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.