North West Christian School vs Penguin District School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Tasmania, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
North West Christian School
Penguin · Independent combined · Prep-12
123 students · ICSEA 985
Penguin District School
Penguin · Government combined · K-12
676 students · ICSEA 960
| Measure | North West Christian School Penguin TAS | Penguin District School Penguin TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Top 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 51 | #40 of 51 |
| National rank (type) | #694 of 1,259 | #1053 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | K-12 |
| Students | 123 | 676 |
| Girls / boys | 56 / 67 | 327 / 349 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 18 | 75 |
| Year 12 cohort | 2 | 2 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +78% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 985 | 960 |
| ICSEA percentile | 40th | 29th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 9.4 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 51.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.8 | 31.7 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 0% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 20% |
| Suburb | Penguin 7316 | Penguin 7316 |
| Council area | Central Coast (Tas.) | Central Coast (Tas.) |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | northwestchristianschool.com.au/ | penguindistrict.education.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •North West Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (48.0 vs 31.0).
- •North West Christian School has the higher ICSEA (985 vs 960), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •North West Christian School has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 12.8).
- •Penguin District School is the larger school with 676 students compared with 123.
- •North West Christian School has grown faster over five years (78% vs 4%).
- •North West Christian School is a independent school while Penguin District School is a government 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 North West Christian School better than Penguin District School?
On the Success Index, North West Christian School ranks higher (48.0 vs 31.0 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 North West Christian School and Penguin District School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Penguin and Penguin in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
North West Christian School has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penguin District School has 12.8.
How do North West Christian School and Penguin District School rank in TAS?
North West Christian School is 19th of 51 and Penguin District School is 40th of 51 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.