JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School vs Northern Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Tasmania, 3.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School
Herdsmans Cove · Government primary · K-6
144 students · ICSEA 772
Northern Christian School
Bridgewater · Independent primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 952
| Measure | JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School Herdsmans Cove TAS | Northern Christian School Bridgewater TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 18 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #132 of 132 | #83 of 132 |
| National rank (type) | #4840 of 4,908 | #3795 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 144 | 149 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 70 | 68 / 81 |
| Foundation intake | 12 | 24 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 772 | 952 |
| ICSEA percentile | 2th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 91% | 48% |
| Students per teacher | 7.0 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.7 | 10.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.9 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 42% | 17% |
| Suburb | Herdsmans Cove 7030 | Bridgewater 7030 |
| Council area | Brighton | Brighton |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | jrlf.education.tas.edu.au/ | www.northern.tas.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Northern Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (34.7 vs 18.2).
- •Northern Christian School has the higher ICSEA (952 vs 772), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School has fewer students per teacher (7.0 vs 14.6).
- •Northern Christian School is the larger school with 149 students compared with 144.
- •Northern Christian School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -14%).
- •JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School is a government school while Northern Christian School is an independent 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 JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School better than Northern Christian School?
On the Success Index, Northern Christian School ranks higher (34.7 vs 18.2 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 JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School and Northern Christian School?
About 3.9 km in a straight line, between Herdsmans Cove and Bridgewater in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School has 7.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northern Christian School has 14.6.
How do JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School and Northern Christian School rank in TAS?
JRLF - Herdsmans Cove Primary School is 132nd of 132 and Northern Christian School is 83rd of 132 among primary schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.