Nowra Public School vs Shoalhaven High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nowra Public School
Nowra · Government primary · K-6
517 students · ICSEA 904
Shoalhaven High School
Nowra · Government high school · 7-12
610 students · ICSEA 862
| Measure | Nowra Public School Nowra NSW | Shoalhaven High School Nowra NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1517 of 1,619 | #475 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #4607 of 4,908 | #1296 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 517 | 610 |
| Girls / boys | 260 / 257 | 287 / 323 |
| Foundation intake | 75 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 124 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 48 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 904 | 862 |
| ICSEA percentile | 12th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 69% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 9.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 38.5 | 67.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.4 | 22.5 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 33% | 36% |
| Suburb | Nowra 2541 | Nowra 2541 |
| Council area | Shoalhaven | Shoalhaven |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | nowra-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | shoalhaven-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Shoalhaven High School scores higher on the Success Index (25.5 vs 23.3).
- •Nowra Public School has the higher ICSEA (904 vs 862), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Shoalhaven High School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 13.4).
- •Shoalhaven High School is the larger school with 610 students compared with 517.
- •Shoalhaven High School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -11%).
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 Camden
Frequently asked questions
Is Nowra Public School better than Shoalhaven High School?
On the Success Index, Shoalhaven High School ranks higher (25.5 vs 23.3 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 Nowra Public School and Shoalhaven High School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Nowra and Nowra in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nowra Public School has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Shoalhaven High School has 9.1.
How do Nowra Public School and Shoalhaven High School rank in NSW?
Nowra Public School is 1517th of 1,619 and Shoalhaven High School is 475th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.