Rutherford Technology High School vs St Joseph's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 7.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Rutherford Technology High School
Rutherford · Government high school · 7-12
1,405 students · ICSEA 922
St Joseph's College
Lochinvar · Catholic high school · 7-12
973 students · ICSEA 996
| Measure | Rutherford Technology High School Rutherford NSW | St Joseph's College Lochinvar NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 31 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #422 of 539 | #293 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1164 of 1,472 | #789 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,405 | 973 |
| Girls / boys | 677 / 728 | 518 / 455 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 290 | 205 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 98 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 922 | 996 |
| ICSEA percentile | 16th | 45th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 56% | 30% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 110.3 | 81.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.8 | 23.5 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 21% | 12% |
| Suburb | Rutherford 2320 | Lochinvar 2321 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | rutherford-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.lochinvarsj.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's College scores higher on the Success Index (47.5 vs 30.6).
- •St Joseph's College has the higher ICSEA (996 vs 922), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's College has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 12.7).
- •Rutherford Technology High School is the larger school with 1,405 students compared with 973.
- •Rutherford Technology High School has grown faster over five years (20% vs 8%).
- •Rutherford Technology High School is a government school while St Joseph's College is a catholic 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.
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Rutherford Technology High School better than St Joseph's College?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's College ranks higher (47.5 vs 30.6 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 Rutherford Technology High School and St Joseph's College?
About 7.0 km in a straight line, between Rutherford and Lochinvar in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Rutherford Technology High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's College has 11.9.
How do Rutherford Technology High School and St Joseph's College rank in NSW?
Rutherford Technology High School is 422nd of 539 and St Joseph's College is 293rd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.