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Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School vs Our Lady of The Way Primary 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.

MeasureNepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Emu Plains NSW
Our Lady of The Way Primary School
Emu Plains NSW
Success Index
42
Lower 50%
62
Top 50%
State rank (type)#327 of 539#587 of 1,619
National rank (type)#905 of 1,472#1799 of 4,908
SectorGovernmentCatholic
TypeSecondaryPrimary
Year range7-12K-6
Students807328
Girls / boys488 / 319172 / 156
Foundation intake–49
Year 7 cohort136–
Year 12 cohort132–
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth-26%-7%
ICSEA
Average 1000
9941047
ICSEA percentile44th67th
Top SEA quarter11%21%
Bottom SEA quarter33%16%
Students per teacher11.912.9
Teaching staff (FTE)67.625.5
Non-teaching staff (FTE)19.19.2
Language background other than English15%12%
Indigenous students10%7%
SuburbEmu Plains 2750Emu Plains 2750
Council areaPenrithPenrith
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitenepean-h.schools.nsw.gov.auwww.olowemuplains.catholic.edu.au

The verdict

  • •Our Lady of The Way Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (61.5 vs 42.0).
  • •Our Lady of The Way Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1047 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 12.9).
  • •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is the larger school with 807 students compared with 328.
  • •Our Lady of The Way Primary School has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -26%).
  • •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is a government school while Our Lady of The Way Primary School is a catholic 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 Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School better than Our Lady of The Way Primary School?

On the Success Index, Our Lady of The Way Primary School ranks higher (61.5 vs 42.0 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 Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School and Our Lady of The Way Primary School?

About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Emu Plains and Emu Plains in New South Wales.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School has 11.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Our Lady of The Way Primary School has 12.9.

How do Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School and Our Lady of The Way Primary School rank in NSW?

Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is 327th of 539 and Our Lady of The Way Primary School is 587th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.