Australian Performing Arts Grammar School vs Inner Sydney High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School
Glebe · Independent high school · 7-12
129 students · ICSEA 1103
Inner Sydney High School
Surry Hills · Government high school · 7-12
1,161 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | Australian Performing Arts Grammar School Glebe NSW | Inner Sydney High School Surry Hills NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #70 of 539 | #54 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #198 of 1,472 | #153 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 129 | 1,161 |
| Girls / boys | 92 / 37 | 493 / 668 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 17 | 213 |
| Year 12 cohort | 30 | 147 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +690% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 51% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.5 | 77.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.5 | 14.6 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 48% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 4% |
| Suburb | Glebe 2037 | Surry Hills 2010 |
| Council area | Sydney | Sydney |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.apgs.nsw.edu.au/ | innersydneyhighschool.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Inner Sydney High School scores higher on the Success Index (75.6 vs 73.3).
- •Inner Sydney High School has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1103), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Australian Performing Arts Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 15.0).
- •Inner Sydney High School is the larger school with 1,161 students compared with 129.
- •Inner Sydney High School has grown faster over five years (690% vs -7%).
- •Australian Performing Arts Grammar School is a independent school while Inner Sydney High 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 Australian Performing Arts Grammar School better than Inner Sydney High School?
On the Success Index, Inner Sydney High School ranks higher (75.6 vs 73.3 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 Australian Performing Arts Grammar School and Inner Sydney High School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Glebe and Surry Hills in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Inner Sydney High School has 15.0.
How do Australian Performing Arts Grammar School and Inner Sydney High School rank in NSW?
Australian Performing Arts Grammar School is 70th of 539 and Inner Sydney High School is 54th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.