Circular Head Christian School vs Smithton High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasmania, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Circular Head Christian School
Smithton · Independent combined · Prep-12
265 students · ICSEA 903
Smithton High School
Smithton · Government high school · 7-12
283 students · ICSEA 849
| Measure | Circular Head Christian School Smithton TAS | Smithton High School Smithton TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 12 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #49 of 51 | #42 of 42 |
| National rank (type) | #1157 of 1,259 | #1471 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 265 | 283 |
| Girls / boys | 144 / 121 | 131 / 152 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 26 | 54 |
| Year 12 cohort | 13 | 9 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 903 | 849 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 73% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 22.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.7 | 27.9 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 33% | 36% |
| Suburb | Smithton 7330 | Smithton 7330 |
| Council area | Circular Head | Circular Head |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.chcs.tas.edu.au | SmithtonHigh.education.tas.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Circular Head Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (26.3 vs 11.6).
- •Circular Head Christian School has the higher ICSEA (903 vs 849), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Smithton High School has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 13.1).
- •Smithton High School is the larger school with 283 students compared with 265.
- •Circular Head Christian School has grown faster over five years (30% vs -17%).
- •Circular Head Christian School is a independent school while Smithton High School 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.
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 Torquay
Frequently asked questions
Is Circular Head Christian School better than Smithton High School?
On the Success Index, Circular Head Christian School ranks higher (26.3 vs 11.6 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 Circular Head Christian School and Smithton High School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Smithton and Smithton in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Circular Head Christian School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Smithton High School has 12.0.
How do Circular Head Christian School and Smithton High School rank in TAS?
Circular Head Christian School is 49th of 51 and Smithton High School is 42nd of 42 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.