Galston High School vs Northholm Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 6.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Galston High School
Galston · Government high school · 7-12
570 students · ICSEA 1044
Northholm Grammar School
Arcadia · Independent combined · K-12
698 students · ICSEA 1137
| Measure | Galston High School Galston NSW | Northholm Grammar School Arcadia NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 81 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #170 of 539 | #37 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #435 of 1,472 | #86 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 570 | 698 |
| Girls / boys | 282 / 288 | 303 / 395 |
| Foundation intake | – | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | 113 | 126 |
| Year 12 cohort | 76 | 49 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +73% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1044 | 1137 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 93th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 11.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 52.0 | 59.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.1 | 27.1 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Galston 2159 | Arcadia 2159 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | galston-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.northholm.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northholm Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (81.2 vs 63.3).
- •Northholm Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1137 vs 1044), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Galston High School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 11.8).
- •Northholm Grammar School is the larger school with 698 students compared with 570.
- •Northholm Grammar School has grown faster over five years (73% vs -7%).
- •Galston High School is a government school while Northholm 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Galston High School better than Northholm Grammar School?
On the Success Index, Northholm Grammar School ranks higher (81.2 vs 63.3 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 Galston High School and Northholm Grammar School?
About 6.4 km in a straight line, between Galston and Arcadia in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Galston High School has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northholm Grammar School has 11.8.
How do Galston High School and Northholm Grammar School rank in NSW?
Galston High School is 170th of 539 and Northholm Grammar School is 37th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.