Arcadia Public School vs Northholm Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Arcadia Public School
Arcadia · Government primary · K-6
60 students · ICSEA 1065
Northholm Grammar School
Arcadia · Independent combined · K-12
698 students · ICSEA 1137
| Measure | Arcadia Public School Arcadia NSW | Northholm Grammar School Arcadia NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 81 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #37 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | – | #86 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-12 |
| Students | 60 | 698 |
| Girls / boys | 27 / 33 | 303 / 395 |
| Foundation intake | 9 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 126 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 49 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -30% | +73% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1065 | 1137 |
| ICSEA percentile | 74th | 93th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 11.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 4.0 | 59.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.4 | 27.1 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Arcadia 2159 | Arcadia 2159 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | arcadia-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.northholm.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northholm Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (81.2 vs 64.4).
- •Northholm Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1137 vs 1065), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northholm Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 15.0).
- •Northholm Grammar School is the larger school with 698 students compared with 60.
- •Northholm Grammar School has grown faster over five years (73% vs -30%).
- •Arcadia Public School is a government school while Northholm Grammar School is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Arcadia Public School better than Northholm Grammar School?
On the Success Index, Northholm Grammar School ranks higher (81.2 vs 64.4 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Arcadia Public School and Northholm Grammar School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Arcadia and Arcadia in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Arcadia Public School has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northholm Grammar School has 11.8.
How do Arcadia Public School and Northholm Grammar School rank in NSW?
Arcadia Public School is unranked and Northholm Grammar School is 37th of 314 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.