Figtree High School vs The Illawarra Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Figtree High School
Figtree · Government high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 1013
The Illawarra Grammar School
Wollongong West · Independent combined · K-12
970 students · ICSEA 1159
| Measure | Figtree High School Figtree NSW | The Illawarra Grammar School Wollongong West NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 80 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #233 of 539 | #44 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #602 of 1,472 | #107 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 880 | 970 |
| Girls / boys | 435 / 445 | 464 / 506 |
| Foundation intake | – | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 157 | 106 |
| Year 12 cohort | 114 | 92 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | +23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1013 | 1159 |
| ICSEA percentile | 53th | 96th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 64% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 30% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 77.0 | 99.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.4 | 45.4 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 2% |
| Suburb | Figtree 2525 | Wollongong West 2500 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | figtree-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.tigs.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The Illawarra Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (80.3 vs 56.1).
- •The Illawarra Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1159 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Illawarra Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 11.4).
- •The Illawarra Grammar School is the larger school with 970 students compared with 880.
- •The Illawarra Grammar School has grown faster over five years (23% vs -9%).
- •Figtree High School is a government school while The Illawarra Grammar 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 Campbelltown
Frequently asked questions
Is Figtree High School better than The Illawarra Grammar School?
On the Success Index, The Illawarra Grammar School ranks higher (80.3 vs 56.1 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 Figtree High School and The Illawarra Grammar School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Figtree and Wollongong West in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Figtree High School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Illawarra Grammar School has 9.7.
How do Figtree High School and The Illawarra Grammar School rank in NSW?
Figtree High School is 233rd of 539 and The Illawarra Grammar School is 44th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.