Richmond Christian College vs Southern Cross School of Distance Education
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 4.0 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
Southern Cross School of Distance Education
East Ballina · Government combined · K-12
79 students · ICSEA 896
| Measure | Richmond Christian College Ballina NSW | Southern Cross School of Distance Education East Ballina NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #122 of 314 | – |
| National rank (type) | #390 of 1,259 | – |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 327 | 79 |
| Girls / boys | 158 / 169 | 43 / 36 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 35 | 8 |
| Year 12 cohort | 22 | 22 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +58% | -85% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 896 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 10th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 1.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 25.2 | 50.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 33% |
| Suburb | Ballina 2478 | East Ballina 2478 |
| Council area | Ballina | Ballina |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.richmond.nsw.edu.au | sthcrossc-d.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Richmond Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 31.0).
- •Richmond Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1069 vs 896), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southern Cross School of Distance Education has fewer students per teacher (1.5 vs 13.0).
- •Richmond Christian College is the larger school with 327 students compared with 79.
- •Richmond Christian College has grown faster over five years (58% vs -85%).
- •Richmond Christian College is a independent school while Southern Cross School of Distance Education 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 Richmond Christian College better than Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
On the Success Index, Richmond Christian College ranks higher (64.1 vs 31.0 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 Southern Cross School of Distance Education?
About 4.0 km in a straight line, between Ballina and East Ballina 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 Southern Cross School of Distance Education has 1.5.
How do Richmond Christian College and Southern Cross School of Distance Education rank in NSW?
Richmond Christian College is 122nd of 314 and Southern Cross School of Distance Education is unranked among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.