Barrenjoey High School vs Barrenjoey Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 10 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barrenjoey High School
Avalon Beach · Government high school · 7-12
865 students · ICSEA 1081
Barrenjoey Montessori School
Avalon · Independent primary · K-6
50 students · ICSEA 1115
| Measure | Barrenjoey High School Avalon Beach NSW | Barrenjoey Montessori School Avalon NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #115 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #295 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 865 | 50 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 457 | 30 / 20 |
| Foundation intake | – | 7 |
| Year 7 cohort | 145 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 129 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1081 | 1115 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 9.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.7 | 5.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.5 | 7.7 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Avalon Beach 2107 | Avalon 2107 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | barrenjoey-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.barrenjoeymontessori.com.au/ |
The verdict
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (75.1 vs 69.6).
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1115 vs 1081), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 13.7).
- •Barrenjoey High School is the larger school with 865 students compared with 50.
- •Barrenjoey High School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -12%).
- •Barrenjoey High School is a government school while Barrenjoey Montessori 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dee Why
Frequently asked questions
Is Barrenjoey High School better than Barrenjoey Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Barrenjoey Montessori School ranks higher (75.1 vs 69.6 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 Barrenjoey High School and Barrenjoey Montessori School?
About 10 m in a straight line, between Avalon Beach and Avalon in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barrenjoey High School has 13.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Barrenjoey Montessori School has 9.8.
How do Barrenjoey High School and Barrenjoey Montessori School rank in NSW?
Barrenjoey High School is 115th of 539 and Barrenjoey Montessori School is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.