Arthur Phillip High School vs Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 32 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Arthur Phillip High School
Parramatta · Government high school · 7-12
1,636 students · ICSEA 994
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Emu Plains · Government high school · 7-12
807 students · ICSEA 994
| Measure | Arthur Phillip High School Parramatta NSW | Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School Emu Plains NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #253 of 539 | #327 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #667 of 1,472 | #905 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,636 | 807 |
| Girls / boys | 622 / 1,014 | 488 / 319 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 266 | 136 |
| Year 12 cohort | 243 | 132 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +47% | -26% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 994 | 994 |
| ICSEA percentile | 44th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 40% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 117.3 | 67.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.4 | 19.1 |
| Language background other than English | 91% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 10% |
| Suburb | Parramatta 2150 | Emu Plains 2750 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | arthurphil-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | nepean-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Arthur Phillip High School scores higher on the Success Index (53.5 vs 42.0).
- •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 13.9).
- •Arthur Phillip High School is the larger school with 1,636 students compared with 807.
- •Arthur Phillip High School has grown faster over five years (47% vs -26%).
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 Arthur Phillip High School better than Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School?
On the Success Index, Arthur Phillip High School ranks higher (53.5 vs 42.0 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 Arthur Phillip High School and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School?
About 32 km in a straight line, between Parramatta and Emu Plains in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Arthur Phillip High School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School has 11.9.
How do Arthur Phillip High School and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School rank in NSW?
Arthur Phillip High School is 253rd of 539 and Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is 327th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.