Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School vs Tara Anglican School for Girls
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School
Northmead · Government high school · 7-12
1,239 students · ICSEA 1069
Tara Anglican School for Girls
North Parramatta · Independent combined · K-12
979 students · ICSEA 1175
| Measure | Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Northmead NSW | Tara Anglican School for Girls North Parramatta NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 84 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 539 | #15 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #283 of 1,472 | #48 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 1,239 | 979 |
| Girls / boys | 640 / 599 | 979 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | 249 | 125 |
| Year 12 cohort | 150 | 96 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +32% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1175 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 70% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 84.9 | 90.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.8 | 79.8 |
| Language background other than English | 59% | 62% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 1% |
| Suburb | Northmead 2152 | North Parramatta 2151 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Parramatta |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | northmead-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.tara.nsw.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Tara Anglican School for Girls scores higher on the Success Index (84.2 vs 70.3).
- •Tara Anglican School for Girls has the higher ICSEA (1175 vs 1069), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tara Anglican School for Girls has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 14.6).
- •Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is the larger school with 1,239 students compared with 979.
- •Tara Anglican School for Girls has grown faster over five years (32% vs 12%).
- •Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is a government school while Tara Anglican School for Girls 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 Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School better than Tara Anglican School for Girls?
On the Success Index, Tara Anglican School for Girls ranks higher (84.2 vs 70.3 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 Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School and Tara Anglican School for Girls?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Northmead and North Parramatta in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tara Anglican School for Girls has 10.8.
How do Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School and Tara Anglican School for Girls rank in NSW?
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is 109th of 539 and Tara Anglican School for Girls is 15th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.