Newtown Public School vs The Athena School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 648 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Newtown Public School
Newtown · Government primary · K-6
272 students · ICSEA 1140
The Athena School
Newtown · Independent combined · K-10
52 students · ICSEA 1058
| Measure | Newtown Public School Newtown NSW | The Athena School Newtown NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #310 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #1034 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | K-6 | K-10 |
| Students | 272 | 52 |
| Girls / boys | 129 / 143 | 26 / 26 |
| Foundation intake | 29 | 2 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 6 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -32% | +27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1140 | 1058 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 71th |
| Top SEA quarter | 60% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 19.2 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.2 | 5.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.6 | 12.5 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Newtown 2042 | Newtown 2042 |
| Council area | Sydney | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | newtown-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.athena.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Newtown Public School scores higher on the Success Index (69.7 vs 60.2).
- •Newtown Public School has the higher ICSEA (1140 vs 1058), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Athena School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 19.2).
- •Newtown Public School is the larger school with 272 students compared with 52.
- •The Athena School has grown faster over five years (27% vs -32%).
- •Newtown Public School 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 Public School better than The Athena School?
On the Success Index, Newtown Public School ranks higher (69.7 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 Public School and The Athena School?
About 648 m in a straight line, between Newtown and Newtown in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Newtown Public School has 19.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Athena School has 9.0.
How do Newtown Public School and The Athena School rank in NSW?
Newtown Public School is 310th of 1,619 and The Athena School is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.