German International School Sydney vs Pittwater House Schools
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 8.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
German International School Sydney
Terrey Hills · Independent combined · K-12
380 students · ICSEA 1158
Pittwater House Schools
Collaroy · Independent combined · K-12
1,002 students · ICSEA 1158
| Measure | German International School Sydney Terrey Hills NSW | Pittwater House Schools Collaroy NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #31 of 314 | #22 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #76 of 1,259 | #65 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 380 | 1,002 |
| Girls / boys | 181 / 199 | 464 / 538 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | 42 | 142 |
| Year 12 cohort | 16 | 110 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +16% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1158 | 1158 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 96th |
| Top SEA quarter | 64% | 62% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 9.9 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 38.3 | 105.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 48.1 |
| Language background other than English | 54% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Terrey Hills 2084 | Collaroy 2097 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.giss.nsw.edu.au | pittwaterhouse.com.au/ |
The verdict
- •Pittwater House Schools scores higher on the Success Index (82.9 vs 81.9).
- •Pittwater House Schools is the larger school with 1,002 students compared with 380.
- •Pittwater House Schools has grown faster over five years (24% vs 16%).
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 Gordon
Frequently asked questions
Is German International School Sydney better than Pittwater House Schools?
On the Success Index, Pittwater House Schools ranks higher (82.9 vs 81.9 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 German International School Sydney and Pittwater House Schools?
About 8.4 km in a straight line, between Terrey Hills and Collaroy in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
German International School Sydney has 9.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pittwater House Schools has 9.5.
How do German International School Sydney and Pittwater House Schools rank in NSW?
German International School Sydney is 31st of 314 and Pittwater House Schools is 22nd of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.