North West Christian School vs Ulverstone Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Tasmania, 8.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
North West Christian School
Penguin · Independent combined · Prep-12
123 students · ICSEA 985
Ulverstone Secondary College
Ulverstone · Government high school · 7-12
504 students · ICSEA 915
| Measure | North West Christian School Penguin TAS | Ulverstone Secondary College Ulverstone TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 23 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 51 | #34 of 42 |
| National rank (type) | #694 of 1,259 | #1364 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 123 | 504 |
| Girls / boys | 56 / 67 | 236 / 268 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 18 | 96 |
| Year 12 cohort | 2 | 31 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +78% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 985 | 915 |
| ICSEA percentile | 40th | 14th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 9.4 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 42.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.8 | 30.0 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 16% |
| Suburb | Penguin 7316 | Ulverstone 7315 |
| Council area | Central Coast (Tas.) | Central Coast (Tas.) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | northwestchristianschool.com.au/ | ulverstonesc.education.tas.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •North West Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (48.0 vs 22.9).
- •North West Christian School has the higher ICSEA (985 vs 915), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •North West Christian School has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 11.3).
- •Ulverstone Secondary College is the larger school with 504 students compared with 123.
- •North West Christian School has grown faster over five years (78% vs -18%).
- •North West Christian School is a independent school while Ulverstone Secondary College 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 North West Christian School better than Ulverstone Secondary College?
On the Success Index, North West Christian School ranks higher (48.0 vs 22.9 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 North West Christian School and Ulverstone Secondary College?
About 8.8 km in a straight line, between Penguin and Ulverstone in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
North West Christian School has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ulverstone Secondary College has 11.3.
How do North West Christian School and Ulverstone Secondary College rank in TAS?
North West Christian School is 19th of 51 and Ulverstone Secondary College is 34th of 42 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.