Killara High School vs St Ives High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Killara High School
Killara · Government high school · 7-12
1,803 students · ICSEA 1147
St Ives High School
St Ives · Government high school · 6-12
1,756 students · ICSEA 1125
| Measure | Killara High School Killara NSW | St Ives High School St Ives NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 79 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #59 of 539 | #26 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #165 of 1,472 | #83 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 6-12 |
| Students | 1,803 | 1,756 |
| Girls / boys | 751 / 1,052 | 775 / 981 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 349 | 302 |
| Year 12 cohort | 278 | 240 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +58% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1147 | 1125 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 60% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 13.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 119.6 | 130.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 28.6 |
| Language background other than English | 65% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Killara 2071 | St Ives 2075 |
| Council area | Ku-ring-gai | Ku-ring-gai |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | killara-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | stives-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •St Ives High School scores higher on the Success Index (79.3 vs 75.2).
- •Killara High School has the higher ICSEA (1147 vs 1125), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Ives High School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 15.1).
- •Killara High School is the larger school with 1,803 students compared with 1,756.
- •St Ives High School has grown faster over five years (58% vs 8%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Gordon
Frequently asked questions
Is Killara High School better than St Ives High School?
On the Success Index, St Ives High School ranks higher (79.3 vs 75.2 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 Killara High School and St Ives High School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Killara and St Ives in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Killara High School has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Ives High School has 13.5.
How do Killara High School and St Ives High School rank in NSW?
Killara High School is 59th of 539 and St Ives High School is 26th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.