Southern Cross School of Distance Education
Opportunity, Wellbeing, Engagement.
About the school
Southern Cross School of Distance Education is an equity provision school that serves students across a broad geographical range in Northern NSW, from Tweed Heads in the North to Coffs Harbour in the South and extending to Graves End in the West. The school caters primarily to students who face challenges completing traditional schooling, offering flexible educational pathways tailored to individual needs. This includes full-time education, as well as single subject enrolment options based on specific eligibility criteria such as geographical isolation, significant support needs, or transitional requirements.
The school has a strong focus on creating an inclusive environment where every student feels safe and supported from their first day. It prioritises opportunities for learning and growth, with a diverse range of subjects designed to empower students in discovering their passions. Faculty members are dedicated to working closely with families, developing personalised plans that allow students to learn in a way that suits their unique circumstances.
Southern Cross School of Distance Education fosters a virtual learning environment, emphasising connection and support through online lessons, digital learning programmes, and ongoing communication with families and supervisors. This approach ensures that regardless of their location or situation, students have access to a high-quality public education, facilitating their personal and academic success.
Mission
Providing quality distance education since 1995. Opportunity, Wellbeing, Engagement. We help every student to learn, grow and succeed.
Location & Catchment Area
- Southern Cross School of Distance Education
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Southern Cross Public School 146 m
- B Ballina Coast High School 2.8 km
- C Ballina Public School 3.1 km
- D Lennox Head Public School 6.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 79 (43 girls, 36 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 77.2
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 896 (percentile 10)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 57% / 21% / 14% / 8%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 156
- Indigenous students
- 33%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 11%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 50.8
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 11.2
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 1 |
| Year 4 | 1 |
| Year 6 | 4 |
| Year 7 | 8 |
| Year 8 | 8 |
| Year 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 19 |
| Year 11 | 12 |
| Year 12 | 22 |
| Total | 79 |
Year by year
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 79 | 43 | 36 | 896 | 50.8 |
| 2024 | 241 | 106 | 135 | 903 | 88.2 |
| 2023 | 366 | 184 | 182 | 903 | 122.1 |
| 2022 | 529 | 283 | 246 | 899 | 124.2 |
| 2021 | 545 | 286 | 259 | 914 | 116.6 |
| 2020 | 533 | 242 | 291 | 915 | 160.7 |
| 2019 | 641 | 327 | 314 | 909 | 134.7 |
| 2018 | 626 | 316 | 310 | 548 | 133.5 |