New Norfolk High School vs Smithton High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Tasmania, 270 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
New Norfolk High School
New Norfolk · Government high school · 7-12
319 students · ICSEA 881
Smithton High School
Smithton · Government high school · 7-12
283 students · ICSEA 849
| Measure | New Norfolk High School New Norfolk TAS | Smithton High School Smithton TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 12 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #38 of 42 | #42 of 42 |
| National rank (type) | #1401 of 1,472 | #1471 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 319 | 283 |
| Girls / boys | 146 / 173 | 131 / 152 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 82 | 54 |
| Year 12 cohort | 9 | 9 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 881 | 849 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 73% | 73% |
| Students per teacher | 9.8 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.5 | 22.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.5 | 27.9 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 36% |
| Suburb | New Norfolk 7140 | Smithton 7330 |
| Council area | Derwent Valley | Circular Head |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | newnorfolkhigh.education.tas.edu.au/ | SmithtonHigh.education.tas.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •New Norfolk High School scores higher on the Success Index (20.9 vs 11.6).
- •New Norfolk High School has the higher ICSEA (881 vs 849), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •New Norfolk High School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 12.0).
- •New Norfolk High School is the larger school with 319 students compared with 283.
- •New Norfolk High School has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -17%).
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 New Norfolk High School better than Smithton High School?
On the Success Index, New Norfolk High School ranks higher (20.9 vs 11.6 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 New Norfolk High School and Smithton High School?
About 270 km in a straight line, between New Norfolk and Smithton in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
New Norfolk High School has 9.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Smithton High School has 12.0.
How do New Norfolk High School and Smithton High School rank in TAS?
New Norfolk High School is 38th of 42 and Smithton High School is 42nd of 42 among secondary schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.