Katoomba High School vs Sefton High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 66 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Katoomba High School
Katoomba · Government high school · 7-12
862 students · ICSEA 1034
Sefton High School
Sefton · Government high school · 7-12
1,121 students · ICSEA 1033
| Measure | Katoomba High School Katoomba NSW | Sefton High School Sefton NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #144 of 539 | #226 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #354 of 1,472 | #579 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 862 | 1,121 |
| Girls / boys | 418 / 444 | 541 / 580 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 149 | 183 |
| Year 12 cohort | 114 | 180 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1034 | 1033 |
| ICSEA percentile | 61th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.0 | 76.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.4 | 14.0 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 94% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 0% |
| Suburb | Katoomba 2780 | Sefton 2162 |
| Council area | Blue Mountains | Canterbury-Bankstown |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | katoomba-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | sefton-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Katoomba High School scores higher on the Success Index (67.1 vs 57.2).
- •Katoomba High School has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 1033), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Katoomba High School has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 14.8).
- •Sefton High School is the larger school with 1,121 students compared with 862.
- •Sefton High School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -4%).
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 Katoomba High School better than Sefton High School?
On the Success Index, Katoomba High School ranks higher (67.1 vs 57.2 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 Katoomba High School and Sefton High School?
About 66 km in a straight line, between Katoomba and Sefton in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Katoomba High School has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sefton High School has 14.8.
How do Katoomba High School and Sefton High School rank in NSW?
Katoomba High School is 144th of 539 and Sefton High School is 226th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.