Penrith High School vs Smiths Hill High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 76 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penrith High School
Penrith · Government high school · 7-12
930 students · ICSEA 1186
Smiths Hill High School
Wollongong · Government high school · 7-12
736 students · ICSEA 1186
| Measure | Penrith High School Penrith NSW | Smiths Hill High School Wollongong NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 77 Top 10% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #39 of 539 | #64 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #108 of 1,472 | #180 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 930 | 736 |
| Girls / boys | 400 / 530 | 320 / 416 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 150 | 120 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 134 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1186 | 1186 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 67% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 14.8 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.8 | 55.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.4 | 10.7 |
| Language background other than English | 94% | 42% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Penrith 2750 | Wollongong 2500 |
| Council area | Penrith | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | penrith-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | smithshill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Penrith High School scores higher on the Success Index (77.2 vs 74.4).
- •Smiths Hill High School has fewer students per teacher (13.4 vs 14.8).
- •Penrith High School is the larger school with 930 students compared with 736.
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 Penrith High School better than Smiths Hill High School?
On the Success Index, Penrith High School ranks higher (77.2 vs 74.4 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 Penrith High School and Smiths Hill High School?
About 76 km in a straight line, between Penrith and Wollongong in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penrith High School has 14.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Smiths Hill High School has 13.4.
How do Penrith High School and Smiths Hill High School rank in NSW?
Penrith High School is 39th of 539 and Smiths Hill High School is 64th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.