Gosford High School vs Willoughby Girls High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 45 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
Willoughby Girls High School
Willoughby · Government high school · 7-12
1,036 students · ICSEA 1152
| Measure | Gosford High School Gosford NSW | Willoughby Girls High School Willoughby NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 77 Top 10% | 80 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 539 | #21 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #114 of 1,472 | #70 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,067 | 1,036 |
| Girls / boys | 464 / 603 | 1,036 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 180 | 176 |
| Year 12 cohort | 166 | 147 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1157 | 1152 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 96th |
| Top SEA quarter | 60% | 61% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.6 | 73.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.2 | 16.2 |
| Language background other than English | 63% | 65% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Gosford 2250 | Willoughby 2068 |
| Council area | Central Coast (NSW) | Willoughby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | gosford-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | willoughbg-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Willoughby Girls High School scores higher on the Success Index (79.9 vs 77.0).
- •Gosford High School has the higher ICSEA (1157 vs 1152), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Willoughby Girls High School has fewer students per teacher (14.0 vs 14.8).
- •Gosford High School is the larger school with 1,067 students compared with 1,036.
- •Willoughby Girls High School has grown faster over five years (7% vs 1%).
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 Willoughby Girls High School?
On the Success Index, Willoughby Girls High School ranks higher (79.9 vs 77.0 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 Willoughby Girls High School?
About 45 km in a straight line, between Gosford and Willoughby 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 Willoughby Girls High School has 14.0.
How do Gosford High School and Willoughby Girls High School rank in NSW?
Gosford High School is 43rd of 539 and Willoughby Girls High School is 21st of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.