Cerdon College vs Hilltop Road Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cerdon College
Merrylands · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,001 students · ICSEA 1041
Hilltop Road Public School
Merrylands · Government primary · K-6
762 students · ICSEA 971
| Measure | Cerdon College Merrylands NSW | Hilltop Road Public School Merrylands NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #248 of 539 | #1211 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #654 of 1,472 | #3773 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,001 | 762 |
| Girls / boys | 1,001 / 0 | 373 / 389 |
| Foundation intake | – | 107 |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 168 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 971 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 34th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 15.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.6 | 48.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.6 | 4.7 |
| Language background other than English | 72% | 82% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Merrylands 2160 | Merrylands 2160 |
| Council area | Cumberland | Cumberland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cerdonmerrylands.catholic.edu.au | hilltoprd-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Cerdon College scores higher on the Success Index (54.0 vs 35.0).
- •Cerdon College has the higher ICSEA (1041 vs 971), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cerdon College has fewer students per teacher (13.8 vs 15.6).
- •Cerdon College is the larger school with 1,001 students compared with 762.
- •Hilltop Road Public School has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -8%).
- •Cerdon College is a catholic school while Hilltop Road Public 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 Cerdon College better than Hilltop Road Public School?
On the Success Index, Cerdon College ranks higher (54.0 vs 35.0 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 Cerdon College and Hilltop Road Public School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Merrylands and Merrylands in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cerdon College has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Hilltop Road Public School has 15.6.
How do Cerdon College and Hilltop Road Public School rank in NSW?
Cerdon College is 248th of 539 and Hilltop Road Public School is 1211th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.