Shire Christian School vs St Columba Anglican School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 335 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Shire Christian School
Barden Ridge · Independent combined · K-12
926 students · ICSEA 1116
St Columba Anglican School
Port Macquarie · Independent combined · K-12
1,221 students · ICSEA 1116
| Measure | Shire Christian School Barden Ridge NSW | St Columba Anglican School Port Macquarie NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #125 of 314 | #81 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #395 of 1,259 | #230 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 926 | 1,221 |
| Girls / boys | 453 / 473 | 595 / 626 |
| Foundation intake | 58 | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | 97 | 133 |
| Year 12 cohort | 64 | 85 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1116 | 1116 |
| ICSEA percentile | 88th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 46% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 68.6 | 99.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.2 | 48.0 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Barden Ridge 2234 | Port Macquarie 2444 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Port Macquarie-Hastings |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.shirechristian.nsw.edu.au | www.scas.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba Anglican School scores higher on the Success Index (71.8 vs 63.8).
- •St Columba Anglican School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.5).
- •St Columba Anglican School is the larger school with 1,221 students compared with 926.
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 Shire Christian School better than St Columba Anglican School?
On the Success Index, St Columba Anglican School ranks higher (71.8 vs 63.8 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 Shire Christian School and St Columba Anglican School?
About 335 km in a straight line, between Barden Ridge and Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Shire Christian School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba Anglican School has 12.3.
How do Shire Christian School and St Columba Anglican School rank in NSW?
Shire Christian School is 125th of 314 and St Columba Anglican School is 81st of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.