Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is a selective government secondary that combines rigorous academics with specialist arts training.
NAPLAN modestly 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 has an overall SchoolRank score of 61.3/100, rated "Good". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, extracurricular programs, and value for money. Academically, the school scores 63/100, indicating moderate performance relative to other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1069, well above the national average of 1,000.
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School, Year 7 students averaged 563 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 593, above 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.
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 has a value score of 66/100 on SchoolRank, which compares educational outcomes relative to cost, government schools typically score well on this measure.
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 moderate.
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School is located in Northmead, NSW, classified as a major cities school. With an ICSEA of 1069 (75th percentile), the school community's socio-educational advantage is above average, families tend to have higher education and income levels. ICSEA measures the educational advantage of a school's community, not the school's quality, a lower ICSEA school with strong academic scores may indicate particularly effective teaching.