Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education vs Pacific Hills Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education
Dural · Independent combined · K-12
238 students · ICSEA 1103
Pacific Hills Christian School
Dural · Independent combined · K-12
1,475 students · ICSEA 1118
| Measure | Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education Dural NSW | Pacific Hills Christian School Dural NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 69 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #102 of 314 | #96 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #301 of 1,259 | #282 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 238 | 1,475 |
| Girls / boys | 124 / 114 | 706 / 769 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 77 |
| Year 7 cohort | 23 | 155 |
| Year 12 cohort | 14 | 137 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1118 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 43% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 10.2 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.4 | 119.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.1 | 73.3 |
| Language background other than English | 33% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Dural 2158 | Dural 2158 |
| Council area | The Hills | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.lorien.nsw.edu.au | www.pacifichills.net |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (68.1 vs 69.0).
- •Pacific Hills Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1118 vs 1103), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 12.3).
- •Pacific Hills Christian School is the larger school with 1,475 students compared with 238.
- •Pacific Hills Christian School has grown faster over five years (10% vs -6%).
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 Baulkham Hills
Frequently asked questions
Is Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education better than Pacific Hills Christian School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education and Pacific Hills Christian School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Dural and Dural in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education has 10.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pacific Hills Christian School has 12.3.
How do Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education and Pacific Hills Christian School rank in NSW?
Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education is 102nd of 314 and Pacific Hills Christian School is 96th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.