Lightning Ridge Central School
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About the school
Lightning Ridge Central School is a vibrant Kindergarten to Year 12 educational institution located in the remote mining town of Lightning Ridge. With approximately 420 students enrolled, the school is notable for its diverse community, with nearly 40% of the student population identifying as Aboriginal and 5% from non-English speaking backgrounds. The school's infrastructure is appealing, featuring new buildings and facilities that offer a conducive learning environment.
Curriculum and Programs
The school delivers a rich curriculum that not only supports academic learning but also focuses on cultural inclusivity. Students in secondary school have the unique opportunity to study the Gamilaraay Yuwaalaraay language as their compulsory Language Other Than English. The school has placed an emphasis on Vocational Education, ensuring students are well-prepared for future career paths. Lightning Ridge Central School has also adopted the Reading to Learn program aimed at improving literacy skills among primary students, with plans for expansion into secondary grades.
Community and Support
Lightning Ridge Central School fosters a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging every student to thrive. The school has established vital partnerships with local communities and industries, which contribute to its funding and programs aimed at enhancing equity and opportunities for all students. The dedicated staff work collaboratively with families to create tailored learning plans that suit individual needs, ensuring every child feels supported and ready to learn.
Mission
We help every student to learn, grow and succeed.
Location & Catchment Area
- Lightning Ridge Central School
Catchment zones
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Collarenebri Central School 59.5 km
- B Goodooga Central School 61.3 km
- C Walgett Community College - Primary School 67.5 km
- D Walgett Community College - High School 68.3 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 311 (156 girls, 155 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 311
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 790 (percentile 3)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 71% / 16% / 9% / 4%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 173
- Indigenous students
- 61%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 7%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 32.5
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 12.8
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 26 |
| Year 1 | 26 |
| Year 2 | 17 |
| Year 3 | 28 |
| Year 4 | 26 |
| Year 5 | 25 |
| Year 6 | 32 |
| Year 7 | 23 |
| Year 8 | 29 |
| Year 9 | 18 |
| Year 10 | 27 |
| Year 11 | 17 |
| Year 12 | 17 |
| Total | 311 |
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 | 311 | 156 | 155 | - | 790 | 32.5 |
| 2024 | 349 | 178 | 171 | 73.3 | 798 | 39.3 |
| 2023 | 340 | 171 | 169 | 75.4 | 796 | 38.6 |
| 2022 | 349 | 175 | 174 | 71.1 | 821 | 38 |
| 2021 | 335 | 165 | 170 | 79.1 | 832 | 37.1 |
| 2020 | 330 | 165 | 165 | - | 831 | 36.6 |
| 2019 | 348 | 169 | 179 | 83.1 | 833 | 36.6 |
| 2018 | 351 | 176 | 175 | 84.9 | 827 | 36 |
| 2017 | 363 | 173 | 190 | 87.8 | 832 | 38.7 |
| 2016 | 370 | 174 | 196 | 86.6 | 833 | 39.1 |
| 2015 | 401 | 181 | 220 | 88.8 | 829 | 39.1 |
| 2014 | 399 | 173 | 226 | 89.2 | 830 | 38.1 |
| 2013 | 417 | 185 | 232 | 87.7 | 820 | 37.6 |
| 2012 | 380 | 161 | 219 | 86 | 811 | 38 |
| 2011 | 385 | 175 | 210 | 88 | 810 | 36.7 |
| 2010 | 394 | 186 | 208 | - | 803 | 37.1 |
| 2009 | 389 | 180 | 209 | - | 800 | 40.6 |
| 2008 | 412 | 192 | 220 | - | 800 | 39.9 |
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.