Meriden School vs Newcastle Grammar School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 123 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Meriden School
Strathfield · Independent combined · K-12
1,761 students · ICSEA 1180
Newcastle Grammar School
The Hill · Independent combined · K-12
1,049 students · ICSEA 1181
| Measure | Meriden School Strathfield NSW | Newcastle Grammar School The Hill NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 86 Top 5% | 88 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #10 of 314 | #6 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #31 of 1,259 | #21 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,761 | 1,049 |
| Girls / boys | 1,761 / 0 | 538 / 511 |
| Foundation intake | 72 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 192 | 111 |
| Year 12 cohort | 211 | 114 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | +15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1180 | 1181 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 73% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 10.3 | 10.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 170.8 | 97.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 98.7 | 62.1 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Strathfield 2135 | The Hill 2300 |
| Council area | Strathfield | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.meriden.nsw.edu.au | www.ngs.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newcastle Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (87.8 vs 86.0).
- •Newcastle Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1181 vs 1180), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Meriden School is the larger school with 1,761 students compared with 1,049.
- •Meriden School has grown faster over five years (30% vs 15%).
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 Meriden School better than Newcastle Grammar School?
On the Success Index, Newcastle Grammar School ranks higher (87.8 vs 86.0 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 Meriden School and Newcastle Grammar School?
About 123 km in a straight line, between Strathfield and The Hill in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Meriden School has 10.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newcastle Grammar School has 10.7.
How do Meriden School and Newcastle Grammar School rank in NSW?
Meriden School is 10th of 314 and Newcastle Grammar School is 6th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.