Gosford High School vs Narara Valley High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gosford High School
Gosford · Government high school · 7-12
1,067 students · ICSEA 1157
Narara Valley High School
Narara · Government high school · 7-12
629 students · ICSEA 974
| Measure | Gosford High School Gosford NSW | Narara Valley High School Narara NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 77 Top 10% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 539 | #330 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #114 of 1,472 | #915 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,067 | 629 |
| Girls / boys | 464 / 603 | 313 / 316 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 180 | 109 |
| Year 12 cohort | 166 | 75 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1157 | 974 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 60% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 38% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.6 | 61.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.2 | 18.9 |
| Language background other than English | 63% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 14% |
| Suburb | Gosford 2250 | Narara 2250 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Central Coast (NSW) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gosford-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | nararavaly-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Gosford High School scores higher on the Success Index (77.0 vs 41.6).
- •Gosford High School has the higher ICSEA (1157 vs 974), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Narara Valley High School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 14.8).
- •Gosford High School is the larger school with 1,067 students compared with 629.
- •Gosford High School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -24%).
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 Gosford High School better than Narara Valley High School?
On the Success Index, Gosford High School ranks higher (77.0 vs 41.6 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 Gosford High School and Narara Valley High School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Gosford and Narara in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gosford High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Narara Valley High School has 10.3.
How do Gosford High School and Narara Valley High School rank in NSW?
Gosford High School is 43rd of 539 and Narara Valley High School is 330th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.