Central Sydney Intensive English High School vs Newtown High School of Performing Arts
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Central Sydney Intensive English High School
Alexandria · Government high school · 7-11
142 students · ICSEA 1037
Newtown High School of Performing Arts
Newtown · Government high school · 7-12
1,145 students · ICSEA 1127
| Measure | Central Sydney Intensive English High School Alexandria NSW | Newtown High School of Performing Arts Newtown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #147 of 539 | #62 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #358 of 1,472 | #176 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-11 | 7-12 |
| Students | 142 | 1,145 |
| Girls / boys | 63 / 79 | 677 / 468 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 44 | 205 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 195 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1037 | 1127 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 53% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 4.6 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.9 | 76.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.3 | 14.4 |
| Language background other than English | 100% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 2% |
| Suburb | Alexandria 2015 | Newtown 2042 |
| Council area | Sydney | Sydney |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | centralsydneyie-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | newtown-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts scores higher on the Success Index (74.8 vs 67.0).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts has the higher ICSEA (1127 vs 1037), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Central Sydney Intensive English High School has fewer students per teacher (4.6 vs 15.0).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts is the larger school with 1,145 students compared with 142.
- •Central Sydney Intensive English High School has grown faster over five years (30% vs 4%).
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 Central Sydney Intensive English High School better than Newtown High School of Performing Arts?
On the Success Index, Newtown High School of Performing Arts ranks higher (74.8 vs 67.0 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 Central Sydney Intensive English High School and Newtown High School of Performing Arts?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Alexandria and Newtown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Central Sydney Intensive English High School has 4.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newtown High School of Performing Arts has 15.0.
How do Central Sydney Intensive English High School and Newtown High School of Performing Arts rank in NSW?
Central Sydney Intensive English High School is 147th of 539 and Newtown High School of Performing Arts is 62nd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.