Newtown High School of Performing Arts vs The Athena School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 546 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newtown High School of Performing Arts
Newtown · Government high school · 7-12
1,145 students · ICSEA 1127
The Athena School
Newtown · Independent combined · K-10
52 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | Newtown High School of Performing Arts Newtown NSW | The Athena School Newtown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #176 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-10 |
| Students | 1,145 | 52 |
| Girls / boys | 677 / 468 | 26 / 26 |
| Foundation intake | – | 2 |
| Year 7 cohort | 205 | 6 |
| Year 12 cohort | 195 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1127 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 53% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 76.1 | 5.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.4 | 12.5 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Newtown 2042 | Newtown 2042 |
| Council area | Sydney | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newtown-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.athena.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts scores higher on the Success Index (74.8 vs 60.2).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts has the higher ICSEA (1127 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Athena School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 15.0).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts is the larger school with 1,145 students compared with 52.
- •The Athena School has grown faster over five years (27% vs 4%).
- •Newtown High School of Performing Arts is a government school while The Athena School 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Newtown High School of Performing Arts better than The Athena School?
On the Success Index, Newtown High School of Performing Arts ranks higher (74.8 vs 60.2 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 Newtown High School of Performing Arts and The Athena School?
About 546 m in a straight line, between Newtown and Newtown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newtown High School of Performing Arts has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Athena School has 9.0.
How do Newtown High School of Performing Arts and The Athena School rank in NSW?
Newtown High School of Performing Arts is 62nd of 539 and The Athena School is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.