Kotara High is a co-educational government secondary school in Adamstown with distinctive strengths in Japanese language and Marine Studies.
NAPLAN modestly above national year-level averages; the result is a B overall.
Kotara High is a co-educational government secondary school in Adamstown with distinctive strengths in Japanese language and Marine Studies. The school runs a rigorous Inspire program for high-potential students alongside strong support structures including a dedicated learning support team and wellbeing services. Families work with staff to co-design learning plans suited to each student. Known for an academic but pastoral environment, Kotara builds a tight-knit community where students have access to experiential fieldwork opportunities, particularly through its Marine Studies program. It suits families seeking genuine specialisation in languages or marine science, combined with attentive pastoral care.
Kotara High School is also known as Kotara HS and KHS Adamstown.
Kotara High School draws students from the Kotara HS (and 1 more zone).
Kotara High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 53.4/100, rated "Average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B (Average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1066 (74th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Kotara High School, Year 7 students averaged 556 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 573, in line with the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Numeracy. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Kotara High School is a large government secondary school with approximately 1,130 students. It offers education for years 7-12. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Kotara High School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades B+ (Good) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Kotara High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.2:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 20% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 86%, which is below average.
Kotara High School is located in Adamstown, NSW, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1066 (74th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.