Smiths Hill High School vs St Mary Star of the Sea College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in New South Wales, 936 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Smiths Hill High School
Wollongong · Government high school · 7-12
736 students · ICSEA 1186
St Mary Star of the Sea College
Wollongong · Independent high school · 7-12
1,128 students · ICSEA 1104
| Measure | Smiths Hill High School Wollongong NSW | St Mary Star of the Sea College Wollongong NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #64 of 539 | #37 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #180 of 1,472 | #106 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 736 | 1,128 |
| Girls / boys | 320 / 416 | 1,128 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 120 | 189 |
| Year 12 cohort | 134 | 181 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1186 | 1104 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 85th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 42% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 55.0 | 91.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.7 | 34.0 |
| Language background other than English | 42% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Wollongong 2500 | Wollongong 2500 |
| Council area | Wollongong | Wollongong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | smithshill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College scores higher on the Success Index (77.3 vs 74.4).
- •Smiths Hill High School has the higher ICSEA (1186 vs 1104), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.4).
- •St Mary Star of the Sea College is the larger school with 1,128 students compared with 736.
- •Smiths Hill High School is a government school while St Mary Star of the Sea College 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 Smiths Hill High School better than St Mary Star of the Sea College?
On the Success Index, St Mary Star of the Sea College ranks higher (77.3 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 Smiths Hill High School and St Mary Star of the Sea College?
About 936 m in a straight line, between Wollongong and Wollongong in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Smiths Hill High School has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary Star of the Sea College has 12.3.
How do Smiths Hill High School and St Mary Star of the Sea College rank in NSW?
Smiths Hill High School is 64th of 539 and St Mary Star of the Sea College is 37th of 539 among secondary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.