Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education vs The Hills Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 1.9 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
The Hills Grammar School
Kenthurst · Independent combined · K-12
1,208 students · ICSEA 1164
| Measure | Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education Dural NSW | The Hills Grammar School Kenthurst NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #102 of 314 | #23 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #301 of 1,259 | #66 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 238 | 1,208 |
| Girls / boys | 124 / 114 | 518 / 690 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 70 |
| Year 7 cohort | 23 | 121 |
| Year 12 cohort | 14 | 80 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | +31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1164 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 43% | 66% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 10.2 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.4 | 108.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.1 | 71.9 |
| Language background other than English | 33% | 66% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Dural 2158 | Kenthurst 2156 |
| Council area | The Hills | The Hills |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.lorien.nsw.edu.au | www.hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The Hills Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (82.9 vs 68.1).
- •The Hills Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1164 vs 1103), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education has fewer students per teacher (10.2 vs 11.2).
- •The Hills Grammar School is the larger school with 1,208 students compared with 238.
- •The Hills Grammar School has grown faster over five years (31% vs -6%).
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 Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education better than The Hills Grammar School?
On the Success Index, The Hills Grammar School ranks higher (82.9 vs 68.1 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 Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education and The Hills Grammar School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Dural and Kenthurst 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 The Hills Grammar School has 11.2.
How do Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education and The Hills Grammar School rank in NSW?
Lorien Novalis School for Rudolf Steiner Education is 102nd of 314 and The Hills Grammar School is 23rd of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.