A rural school in the Parkes Shire has ranked in the top 100 of public high schools in the state. The Daily Telegraph has compiled a complete rankings list of each state’s Top 100 Public High Schools, as well as a national list, based on Department of Education data. Inner-city and selective high schools dominate the list for NSW but Trundle Central School has come in at 90. Schools were ranked on Year 9 Naplan results including the value added between tests, level of parent contributions, student-teacher ratio, student attendance rates above 90 per cent and financial information. Trundle is only one of two rural or isolated schools that have made this list, proving location is no barrier to academic success. The other being Ungarie Central School, located about 42 kilometres north of West Wyalong. Trundle Central is located about 60 kilometres west of Parkes, with just 103 students from kindergarten to Year 12. Principal John Southon was particularly pleased with the school's ranking as it comes shortly after independent validation rated the school at the highest level for educational leadership, school resources and curriculum delivery he said. "We realise the school is going well but it is nice to receive confirmation from other sources," he said. "High school attendance, especially Year 9 boys is a constant challenge. "The answer I believe is to provide a broad curriculum and an environment where students have a high degree of ownership of the school success, and as a result want to come to school. "The challenge for us now is to continue along the improvement pathway." As reported by News.com.au, NSW has cemented its status as the premier state for education, claiming nearly half of Australia’s best 100 government public secondary schools at 48. The state has secured six spots in the top 10 alone. All schools in the national top 20 are selective, including 16 from NSW which has more public schools that require students to sit an academic entry test than any other.
