Barrenjoey High School vs Pittwater High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 5.0 km 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
Pittwater High School
Mona Vale · Government high school · 7-12
881 students · ICSEA 1071
| Measure | Barrenjoey High School Avalon Beach NSW | Pittwater High School Mona Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #115 of 539 | #218 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #295 of 1,472 | #549 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 865 | 881 |
| Girls / boys | 408 / 457 | 421 / 460 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 145 | 114 |
| Year 12 cohort | 129 | 143 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +7% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1081 | 1071 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.7 | 65.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.5 | 15.5 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Avalon Beach 2107 | Mona Vale 2103 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | barrenjoey-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | pittwater-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Barrenjoey High School scores higher on the Success Index (69.6 vs 58.6).
- •Barrenjoey High School has the higher ICSEA (1081 vs 1071), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pittwater High School is the larger school with 881 students compared with 865.
- •Barrenjoey High School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -20%).
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 Barrenjoey High School better than Pittwater High School?
On the Success Index, Barrenjoey High School ranks higher (69.6 vs 58.6 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 Pittwater High School?
About 5.0 km in a straight line, between Avalon Beach and Mona Vale 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 Pittwater High School has 13.4.
How do Barrenjoey High School and Pittwater High School rank in NSW?
Barrenjoey High School is 115th of 539 and Pittwater High School is 218th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.