Barrenjoey Montessori School vs Pittwater High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 5.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barrenjoey Montessori School
Avalon · Independent primary · K-6
50 students · ICSEA 1115
Pittwater High School
Mona Vale · Government high school · 7-12
881 students · ICSEA 1071
| Measure | Barrenjoey Montessori School Avalon NSW | Pittwater High School Mona Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #218 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | – | #549 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 50 | 881 |
| Girls / boys | 30 / 20 | 421 / 460 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 114 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 143 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1115 | 1071 |
| ICSEA percentile | 88th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 9.8 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 5.1 | 65.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.7 | 15.5 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Avalon 2107 | Mona Vale 2103 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.barrenjoeymontessori.com.au/ | pittwater-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (75.1 vs 58.6).
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1115 vs 1071), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 13.4).
- •Pittwater High School is the larger school with 881 students compared with 50.
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -20%).
- •Barrenjoey Montessori School is a independent school while Pittwater 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 Barrenjoey Montessori School better than Pittwater High School?
On the Success Index, Barrenjoey Montessori School ranks higher (75.1 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 Montessori School and Pittwater High School?
About 5.0 km in a straight line, between Avalon and Mona Vale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barrenjoey Montessori School has 9.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pittwater High School has 13.4.
How do Barrenjoey Montessori School and Pittwater High School rank in NSW?
Barrenjoey Montessori School is unranked and Pittwater High School is 218th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.