Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School vs Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 963 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School
Emu Plains · Government high school · 7-12
807 students · ICSEA 994
Penola Catholic College Emu Plains
Emu Plains · Catholic high school · 7-12
709 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School Emu Plains NSW | Penola Catholic College Emu Plains Emu Plains NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 66 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #327 of 539 | #155 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #905 of 1,472 | #392 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 807 | 709 |
| Girls / boys | 488 / 319 | 328 / 381 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 136 | 174 |
| Year 12 cohort | 132 | 58 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -26% | +36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 994 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 44th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 11.9 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 67.6 | 61.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.1 | 14.3 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 6% |
| Suburb | Emu Plains 2750 | Emu Plains 2750 |
| Council area | Penrith | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | nepean-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.penolaemuplains.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains scores higher on the Success Index (65.5 vs 42.0).
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is the larger school with 807 students compared with 709.
- •Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has grown faster over five years (36% vs -26%).
- •Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is a government school while Penola Catholic College Emu Plains 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 Penola Catholic College Emu Plains?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College Emu Plains ranks higher (65.5 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 Penola Catholic College Emu Plains?
About 963 m 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 Penola Catholic College Emu Plains has 11.6.
How do Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains rank in NSW?
Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School is 327th of 539 and Penola Catholic College Emu Plains is 155th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.