Port Hacking High School vs Sydney Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Port Hacking High School
Miranda · Government high school · 7-12
950 students · ICSEA 1050
Sydney Montessori School
Gymea · Independent combined · K-11
147 students · ICSEA 1118
| Measure | Port Hacking High School Miranda NSW | Sydney Montessori School Gymea NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #232 of 539 | #67 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #601 of 1,472 | #194 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-11 |
| Students | 950 | 147 |
| Girls / boys | 428 / 522 | 82 / 65 |
| Foundation intake | – | 26 |
| Year 7 cohort | 157 | 12 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1050 | 1118 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 50% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 72.9 | 13.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.8 | 9.0 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Miranda 2228 | Gymea 2227 |
| Council area | Sutherland | Sutherland |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | porthackin-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.sms.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sydney Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 56.2).
- •Sydney Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1118 vs 1050), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 13.0).
- •Port Hacking High School is the larger school with 950 students compared with 147.
- •Sydney Montessori School has grown faster over five years (13% vs -20%).
- •Port Hacking High School is a government school while Sydney Montessori School is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Port Hacking High School better than Sydney Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (74.0 vs 56.2 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 Port Hacking High School and Sydney Montessori School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Miranda and Gymea in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Port Hacking High School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sydney Montessori School has 11.0.
How do Port Hacking High School and Sydney Montessori School rank in NSW?
Port Hacking High School is 232nd of 539 and Sydney Montessori School is 67th of 314 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.