Goulburn High School vs Nowra High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 83 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Goulburn High School
Goulburn · Government high school · 7-12
648 students · ICSEA 943
Nowra High School
Nowra · Government high school · 7-12
777 students · ICSEA 944
| Measure | Goulburn High School Goulburn NSW | Nowra High School Nowra NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 34 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #397 of 539 | #442 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #1099 of 1,472 | #1206 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 648 | 777 |
| Girls / boys | 305 / 343 | 416 / 361 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 145 | 142 |
| Year 12 cohort | 61 | 85 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 943 | 944 |
| ICSEA percentile | 22th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 46% |
| Students per teacher | 10.8 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 60.2 | 66.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 20.7 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 21% |
| Suburb | Goulburn 2580 | Nowra 2541 |
| Council area | Goulburn Mulwaree | Shoalhaven |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | goulburn-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | nowra-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Goulburn High School scores higher on the Success Index (33.5 vs 29.1).
- •Nowra High School has the higher ICSEA (944 vs 943), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Goulburn High School has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 11.6).
- •Nowra High School is the larger school with 777 students compared with 648.
- •Goulburn High School has grown faster over five years (8% vs -13%).
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 Goulburn High School better than Nowra High School?
On the Success Index, Goulburn High School ranks higher (33.5 vs 29.1 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 Goulburn High School and Nowra High School?
About 83 km in a straight line, between Goulburn and Nowra in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Goulburn High School has 10.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Nowra High School has 11.6.
How do Goulburn High School and Nowra High School rank in NSW?
Goulburn High School is 397th of 539 and Nowra High School is 442nd of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.