Ballina Coast High School
Empowering Learners. Shaping Excellent Humans.
About the school
Ballina Coast High School prides itself on powerful learning through quality teaching in a caring environment. As a comprehensive school, it caters to the diverse needs of its students, showcasing inclusivity through strong academic programs and a significant Aboriginal population, along with extensive special education and learning support programs. Senior students have the opportunity to choose from an academic pathway, a VET-Trade School pathway, a Life Skills pathway, or a combination of these.
Curriculum and Programs
The school's broad curriculum encompasses various subjects, including humanities, arts, sciences, mathematics, social sciences, languages, technology, and vocational education. Innovative programs such as learning skills, Aeronautics, and Marine Studies cater to gifted and talented students, while fostering a holistic philosophy that concerns itself with the academic, social, physical, emotional, and cultural growth of each student.
Student Welfare and Extra-Curricular Activities
With a strong welfare focus, the school fosters student leadership, encourages sound values, and provides extensive extra-curricular activities, including sports, community involvement through volunteering, and creative endeavours like radio and video production, band, choir, and an exchange program with a Japanese school.
Community and Resources
Ballina Coast High School leverages four vital resources: experienced and dedicated staff, an attractive physical environment, strong ties with the wider community, and an expanding use of technology in teaching and learning. These resources contribute to making the school an inspiring place for students to learn and grow, as they prepare to become active and engaged members of society.
Mission
Empowering Learners. Shaping Excellent Humans.
Excellence Through Empowered Learning
From our High Potential programs to the Arts, Sports, and Big Picture pathways — our diverse programs empower every student to find their passion and achieve their personal best.
A Community Built on Connection
We believe strong relationships are at the heart of great learning. Our culture of kindness, empathy, and collaboration helps every student feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.
Location & Catchment Area
- Ballina Coast High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Ballina Public School 371 m
- B Southern Cross Public School 2.6 km
- C Southern Cross School of Distance Education 2.8 km
- D Empire Vale Public School 7.9 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 722 (309 girls, 413 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 718.2
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 952 (percentile 26)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 43% / 30% / 18% / 9%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 113
- Indigenous students
- 19%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 8%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 67.9
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 19.3
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 97 |
| Year 8 | 108 |
| Year 9 | 163 |
| Year 10 | 112 |
| Year 11 | 123 |
| Year 12 | 119 |
| Total | 722 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 722 | 309 | 413 | - | 952 | 67.9 |
| 2024 | 817 | 369 | 448 | 77 | 952 | 82 |
| 2023 | 896 | 415 | 481 | 80.1 | 962 | 80.3 |
| 2022 | 872 | 404 | 468 | 77.3 | 959 | 74.4 |
| 2021 | 909 | 415 | 494 | 83.1 | 960 | 74.4 |
| 2020 | 954 | 433 | 521 | - | 958 | 75.2 |
| 2019 | 859 | 371 | 488 | 87.6 | 957 | 68.7 |
| 2018 | 802 | 360 | 442 | 84.8 | 949 | 65.1 |
| 2017 | 832 | 402 | 430 | 86.9 | 936 | 36.1 |
| 2016 | 383 | 178 | 205 | 80.7 | 888 | 42.5 |
| 2015 | 397 | 180 | 217 | 82.6 | 890 | 43.4 |
| 2014 | 433 | 190 | 243 | 82.7 | 881 | 41.4 |
| 2013 | 476 | 216 | 260 | 83.3 | 913 | 43.8 |
| 2012 | 508 | 241 | 267 | 82 | 916 | 49 |
| 2011 | 539 | 250 | 289 | 85 | 922 | 51.2 |
| 2010 | 557 | 268 | 289 | - | 925 | 50.7 |
| 2009 | 543 | 278 | 265 | - | 962 | 52.3 |
| 2008 | 552 | 281 | 271 | - | 962 | 53.1 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.