Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is a selective government secondary that combines rigorous academics with specialist arts training.
NAPLAN averaging 29 points above national year-level averages; the result is a B+ overall.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is a selective government secondary that combines rigorous academics with specialist arts training. Students enter via selective entry or audition for dedicated CAPA programs, with enriched pathways for gifted learners. The school is known for strong dance, drama and music ensembles, supported by a dedicated performance hall. Learning is inquiry-led and project-based, with solid pastoral care and personalised support including a hearing unit and additional learning assistance. It suits ambitious students who want academic challenge alongside serious creative practice.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is also known as NCPAHS, NCPAHS Northmead and Northmead Creative and Performing Arts HS.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School draws students from the Northmead CPAHS (and 1 more zone).
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 60.4/100, rated "Good". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B+ (Good) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1069 (75th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2024 NAPLAN testing at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, Year 7 students averaged 572 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 538 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 588, above the national average of 565 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Writing. 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.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is a large government secondary school with approximately 1,239 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.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts 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.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.6:1. This is around the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning class sizes are typical for Australian schools. Support staff make up 17% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 90%, which is good.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is located in Northmead, NSW, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1069 (75th 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.