Pennant Hills High School vs Thornleigh West Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pennant Hills High School
Pennant Hills · Government high school · 7-12
1,131 students · ICSEA 1109
Thornleigh West Public School
Thornleigh · Government primary · K-6
477 students · ICSEA 1142
| Measure | Pennant Hills High School Pennant Hills NSW | Thornleigh West Public School Thornleigh NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #72 of 539 | #130 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #202 of 1,472 | #486 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,131 | 477 |
| Girls / boys | 517 / 614 | 218 / 259 |
| Foundation intake | – | 56 |
| Year 7 cohort | 176 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 168 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1109 | 1142 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 43% | 58% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 14.0 | 16.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 81.0 | 29.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.6 | 6.8 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Pennant Hills 2120 | Thornleigh 2120 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | pennanthil-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | thornleigw-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Thornleigh West Public School scores higher on the Success Index (75.7 vs 73.2).
- •Thornleigh West Public School has the higher ICSEA (1142 vs 1109), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pennant Hills High School has fewer students per teacher (14.0 vs 16.1).
- •Pennant Hills High School is the larger school with 1,131 students compared with 477.
- •Pennant Hills High School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -22%).
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 Epping
Frequently asked questions
Is Pennant Hills High School better than Thornleigh West Public School?
On the Success Index, Thornleigh West Public School ranks higher (75.7 vs 73.2 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 Pennant Hills High School and Thornleigh West Public School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Pennant Hills and Thornleigh in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pennant Hills High School has 14.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thornleigh West Public School has 16.1.
How do Pennant Hills High School and Thornleigh West Public School rank in NSW?
Pennant Hills High School is 72nd of 539 and Thornleigh West Public School is 130th of 1,619 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.