Kirrawee High School vs Sydney Montessori 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.
Kirrawee High School
Kirrawee · Government high school · 7-12
1,185 students · ICSEA 1092
Sydney Montessori School
Gymea · Independent combined · K-11
147 students · ICSEA 1118
| Measure | Kirrawee High School Kirrawee NSW | Sydney Montessori School Gymea NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #82 of 539 | #67 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #227 of 1,472 | #194 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-11 |
| Students | 1,185 | 147 |
| Girls / boys | 619 / 566 | 82 / 65 |
| Foundation intake | – | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 230 | 12 |
| Year 12 cohort | 147 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1092 | 1118 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 50% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 14.2 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 83.2 | 13.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.4 | 9.0 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 1% |
| Suburb | Kirrawee 2232 | Gymea 2227 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | kirrawee-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.sms.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sydney Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 72.4).
- •Sydney Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1118 vs 1092), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 14.2).
- •Kirrawee High School is the larger school with 1,185 students compared with 147.
- •Sydney Montessori School has grown faster over five years (13% vs 0%).
- •Kirrawee High School is a government school while Sydney Montessori 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 Kirrawee High School better than Sydney Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (74.0 vs 72.4 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 Kirrawee High School and Sydney Montessori School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Kirrawee and Gymea in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kirrawee High School has 14.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sydney Montessori School has 11.0.
How do Kirrawee High School and Sydney Montessori School rank in NSW?
Kirrawee High School is 82nd of 539 and Sydney Montessori School is 67th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.