Jamison High School vs Penrith Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Jamison High School
South Penrith · Government high school · 7-12
834 students · ICSEA 964
Penrith Christian School
Orchard Hills · Independent combined · K-12
744 students · ICSEA 1047
| Measure | Jamison High School South Penrith NSW | Penrith Christian School Orchard Hills NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 34 Lower 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #393 of 539 | #191 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #1090 of 1,472 | #606 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 834 | 744 |
| Girls / boys | 400 / 434 | 366 / 378 |
| Foundation intake | – | 55 |
| Year 7 cohort | 145 | 94 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 45 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 964 | 1047 |
| ICSEA percentile | 31th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.2 | 60.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.5 | 34.2 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 3% |
| Suburb | South Penrith 2750 | Orchard Hills 2748 |
| Council area | Penrith | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jamison-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.pcs.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penrith Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (52.2 vs 33.9).
- •Penrith Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1047 vs 964), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Jamison High School is the larger school with 834 students compared with 744.
- •Penrith Christian School has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -10%).
- •Jamison High School is a government school while Penrith Christian School is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Jamison High School better than Penrith Christian School?
On the Success Index, Penrith Christian School ranks higher (52.2 vs 33.9 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 Jamison High School and Penrith Christian School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between South Penrith and Orchard Hills in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Jamison High School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penrith Christian School has 12.2.
How do Jamison High School and Penrith Christian School rank in NSW?
Jamison High School is 393rd of 539 and Penrith Christian School is 191st of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.