Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School vs The Hills School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.0 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
The Hills School
Northmead · Government special · U
112 students · ICSEA 1046
| Measure | Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School Northmead NSW | The Hills School Northmead NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 539 | – |
| National rank (type) | #283 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Special |
| Year range | 7-12 | U |
| Students | 1,239 | 112 |
| Girls / boys | 640 / 599 | 46 / 66 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 249 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 150 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1069 | 1046 |
| ICSEA percentile | 75th | 67th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 14% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 4.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 84.9 | 25.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.8 | 23.1 |
| Language background other than English | 59% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Northmead 2152 | Northmead 2152 |
| Council area | Parramatta | Parramatta |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | northmead-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | thehills-s.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School has the higher ICSEA (1069 vs 1046), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Hills School has fewer students per teacher (4.4 vs 14.6).
- •Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is the larger school with 1,239 students compared with 112.
- •Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School has grown faster over five years (12% vs 5%).
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 Parramatta
Frequently asked questions
Is Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School better than The Hills School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School and The Hills School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Northmead and Northmead 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 The Hills School has 4.4.
How do Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School and The Hills School rank in NSW?
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is 109th of 539 and The Hills School is unranked among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.