Garden Suburb Public School vs Hillsborough Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Garden Suburb Public School
Garden Suburb · Government primary · K-6
227 students · ICSEA 1045
Hillsborough Public School
Charlestown · Government primary · K-6
164 students · ICSEA 1020
| Measure | Garden Suburb Public School Garden Suburb NSW | Hillsborough Public School Charlestown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 25% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #458 of 1,619 | #872 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #1372 of 4,908 | #2667 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 227 | 164 |
| Girls / boys | 103 / 124 | 75 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 29 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | -33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1020 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 15.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.7 | 10.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.4 | 2.0 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 14% |
| Suburb | Garden Suburb 2289 | Charlestown 2290 |
| Council area | Lake Macquarie | Lake Macquarie |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gardensub-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | hillsboro-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Garden Suburb Public School scores higher on the Success Index (66.0 vs 50.2).
- •Garden Suburb Public School has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Garden Suburb Public School has fewer students per teacher (13.6 vs 15.2).
- •Garden Suburb Public School is the larger school with 227 students compared with 164.
- •Garden Suburb Public School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -33%).
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 Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Garden Suburb Public School better than Hillsborough Public School?
On the Success Index, Garden Suburb Public School ranks higher (66.0 vs 50.2 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 Garden Suburb Public School and Hillsborough Public School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Garden Suburb and Charlestown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garden Suburb Public School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Hillsborough Public School has 15.2.
How do Garden Suburb Public School and Hillsborough Public School rank in NSW?
Garden Suburb Public School is 458th of 1,619 and Hillsborough Public School is 872nd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.