Newcastle High School vs Novoschool
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 674 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newcastle High School
Hamilton · Government high school · 7-12
1,072 students · ICSEA 1027
Novoschool
Newcastle West · Independent high school · 7-9
79 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Newcastle High School Hamilton NSW | Novoschool Newcastle West NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 80 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #201 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #501 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-9 |
| Students | 1,072 | 79 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 562 | 36 / 43 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 130 | 36 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1027 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 59th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 39% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 7.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 94.7 | 10.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 4.6 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 15% |
| Suburb | Hamilton 2303 | Newcastle West 2302 |
| Council area | Newcastle | Newcastle |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.novoschool.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Novoschool scores higher on the Success Index (79.7 vs 60.6).
- •Novoschool has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1027), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Novoschool has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 11.3).
- •Newcastle High School is the larger school with 1,072 students compared with 79.
- •Newcastle High School is a government school while Novoschool is an independent 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Newcastle High School better than Novoschool?
On the Success Index, Novoschool ranks higher (79.7 vs 60.6 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 Newcastle High School and Novoschool?
About 674 m in a straight line, between Hamilton and Newcastle West in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newcastle High School has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Novoschool has 7.9.
How do Newcastle High School and Novoschool rank in NSW?
Newcastle High School is 201st of 539 and Novoschool is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.