Aspect Hunter School vs Thornton Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 491 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aspect Hunter School
Thornton · Independent special · U
290 students · ICSEA 1008
Thornton Public School
Thornton · Government primary · K-6
826 students · ICSEA 974
| Measure | Aspect Hunter School Thornton NSW | Thornton Public School Thornton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #1190 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #3706 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Special | Primary |
| Year range | U | K-6 |
| Students | 290 | 826 |
| Girls / boys | 88 / 202 | 381 / 445 |
| Foundation intake | – | 114 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +49% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1008 | 974 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 25% | 37% |
| Students per teacher | 4.4 | 17.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 65.7 | 46.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 64.1 | 8.9 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 17% |
| Suburb | Thornton 2322 | Thornton 2322 |
| Council area | Maitland | Maitland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.autismspectrum.org.au/ | thornton-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Aspect Hunter School has the higher ICSEA (1008 vs 974), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Aspect Hunter School has fewer students per teacher (4.4 vs 17.6).
- •Thornton Public School is the larger school with 826 students compared with 290.
- •Aspect Hunter School has grown faster over five years (49% vs 8%).
- •Aspect Hunter School is a independent school while Thornton Public School is a government 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 Aspect Hunter School better than Thornton Public School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Aspect Hunter School and Thornton Public School?
About 491 m in a straight line, between Thornton and Thornton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aspect Hunter School has 4.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thornton Public School has 17.6.
How do Aspect Hunter School and Thornton Public School rank in NSW?
Aspect Hunter School is unranked and Thornton Public School is 1190th of 1,619 among special schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.