Rutherford Technology High School
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed.
About the school
Rutherford Technology High School is located in the lower Hunter Valley and caters for approximately 1100 city and rural students. The school is dedicated to fostering a learning environment focused on Aboriginal Education and establishing strong community partnerships, participating in the 'Stronger Smarter' program. As a leader in technology, it features computer laboratories in each key learning area (KLA), 16 interactive whiteboards, and a soundproof music recording studio.
The school promotes lifelong learning through integrated computer technology in its teaching and learning approaches, encouraging a problem-solving mindset and valuing technology as an essential learning support tool. Offering several learning pathways with a robust emphasis on vocational education and training (VET), Rutherford Technology High School is a platinum member of the Beacon Foundation and boasts a modern agricultural farm.
Part of the Priority Schools Program, it implements data-driven literacy and numeracy initiatives to enhance student learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to utilise higher-order thinking skills to explore multiple solutions to problems, culminating in the production of quality work. The school's facilities and programs, including its recent upgrades and participation in energy-efficient projects, contribute to a healthy and engaging learning environment. With a commitment to creating inclusive and supportive educational experiences, Rutherford Technology High School aims to provide meaningful post-school opportunities for all its students.
Mission
Rutherford Technology High School will promote a culture of high expectations, working closely with our school community through: Leading a supportive and innovative school culture that promotes an environment where every student is known, valued and cared for. Enhancing a strong foundation of literacy and numeracy that provides inclusive and explicit curriculum activities to strengthen student growth and attainment. Delivering school excellence through leadership which provides every learner with the opportunity to grow and belong in an equitable and engaging educational setting. Providing meaningful post school destinations by continuing the focus on high-quality vocational education and training, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and tertiary pathways.
Location & Catchment Area
- Rutherford Technology High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Rutherford Public School 286 m
- B Telarah Public School 1.6 km
- C Nillo Infants School 3.2 km
- D Maitland Public School 3.4 km
- E Bolwarra Public School 3.9 km
- F Gillieston Public School 4.6 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 1,405 (677 girls, 728 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1,404.6
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 922 (percentile 16)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 56% / 30% / 10% / 4%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 133
- Indigenous students
- 21%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 9%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 110.3
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 27.8
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 290 |
| Year 8 | 291 |
| Year 9 | 257 |
| Year 10 | 269 |
| Year 11 | 179 |
| Year 12 | 119 |
| Total | 1,405 |
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 | 1,405 | 677 | 728 | - | 922 | 110.3 |
| 2024 | 1,355 | 662 | 693 | 74.2 | 920 | 110.1 |
| 2023 | 1,382 | 687 | 695 | 75.6 | 917 | 110.1 |
| 2022 | 1,353 | 659 | 694 | 74.7 | 909 | 103.2 |
| 2021 | 1,309 | 621 | 688 | 79.1 | 910 | 102.1 |
| 2020 | 1,173 | 585 | 588 | - | 909 | 93.9 |
| 2019 | 1,128 | 557 | 571 | 81.6 | 903 | 87.6 |
| 2018 | 1,021 | 514 | 507 | 82.8 | 900 | 81.9 |
| 2017 | 1,002 | 499 | 503 | 85.1 | 900 | 82.3 |
| 2016 | 976 | 467 | 509 | 87.4 | 900 | 79.9 |
| 2015 | 976 | 462 | 514 | 87.4 | 906 | 81.6 |
| 2014 | 1,071 | 512 | 559 | 86.8 | 907 | 83.6 |
| 2013 | 1,097 | 524 | 573 | 87.3 | 909 | 86.6 |
| 2012 | 1,081 | 532 | 549 | 86.1 | 923 | 84.2 |
| 2011 | 1,113 | 563 | 550 | 86.8 | 920 | 84.7 |
| 2010 | 1,069 | 546 | 523 | - | 920 | 81.7 |
| 2009 | 1,011 | 499 | 512 | - | 952 | 80.4 |
| 2008 | 943 | 465 | 478 | - | 952 | 76.2 |
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.