Pacific Hills Christian School vs Sydney Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 38 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pacific Hills Christian School
Dural · Independent combined · K-12
1,475 students · ICSEA 1118
Sydney Montessori School
Gymea · Independent combined · K-11
147 students · ICSEA 1118
| Measure | Pacific Hills Christian School Dural NSW | Sydney Montessori School Gymea NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #96 of 314 | #67 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #282 of 1,259 | #194 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-11 |
| Students | 1,475 | 147 |
| Girls / boys | 706 / 769 | 82 / 65 |
| Foundation intake | 77 | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 155 | 12 |
| Year 12 cohort | 137 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +10% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1118 | 1118 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 47% | 50% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 119.7 | 13.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 73.3 | 9.0 |
| Language background other than English | 51% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Dural 2158 | Gymea 2227 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pacifichills.net | www.sms.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sydney Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 69.0).
- •Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.3).
- •Pacific Hills Christian School is the larger school with 1,475 students compared with 147.
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 Pacific Hills Christian School better than Sydney Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (74.0 vs 69.0 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 Pacific Hills Christian School and Sydney Montessori School?
About 38 km in a straight line, between Dural and Gymea in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pacific Hills Christian School has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sydney Montessori School has 11.0.
How do Pacific Hills Christian School and Sydney Montessori School rank in NSW?
Pacific Hills Christian School is 96th of 314 and Sydney Montessori School is 67th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.