New England Girls' School vs Penrith Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 374 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
New England Girls' School
Armidale · Independent combined · K-12
247 students · ICSEA 1047
Penrith Christian School
Orchard Hills · Independent combined · K-12
744 students · ICSEA 1047
| Measure | New England Girls' School Armidale NSW | Penrith Christian School Orchard Hills NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #135 of 314 | #191 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #435 of 1,259 | #606 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 247 | 744 |
| Girls / boys | 216 / 31 | 366 / 378 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | 55 |
| Year 7 cohort | 23 | 94 |
| Year 12 cohort | 18 | 45 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1047 | 1047 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 8.4 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.4 | 60.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.8 | 34.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 3% |
| Suburb | Armidale 2350 | Orchard Hills 2748 |
| Council area | Armidale | Penrith |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.negs.nsw.edu.au | www.pcs.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •New England Girls' School scores higher on the Success Index (61.4 vs 52.2).
- •New England Girls' School has fewer students per teacher (8.4 vs 12.2).
- •Penrith Christian School is the larger school with 744 students compared with 247.
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 New England Girls' School better than Penrith Christian School?
On the Success Index, New England Girls' School ranks higher (61.4 vs 52.2 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 New England Girls' School and Penrith Christian School?
About 374 km in a straight line, between Armidale and Orchard Hills in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
New England Girls' School has 8.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penrith Christian School has 12.2.
How do New England Girls' School and Penrith Christian School rank in NSW?
New England Girls' School is 135th of 314 and Penrith Christian School is 191st of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.