Nowra High School is a government co-ed secondary with a genuine focus on creative and performing arts.
NAPLAN well below national year-level averages and growth below the national median; the result is a C overall.
Nowra High School is a government co-ed secondary with a genuine focus on creative and performing arts. The school runs a dedicated high-potential and gifted education program alongside additional learning support services, making it accessible across the ability spectrum. It's known for strong performing arts and visual arts offerings, including ceramics and photography. The community is described as tight-knit with notably strong pastoral care, which suits families looking for a school where students are known and supported well.
Nowra High School is also known as Nowra HS and NHS Nowra.
Nowra High School draws students from the Nowra HS (and 1 more zone).
Nowra High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 28/100, rated "Well below average". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades C+ (Below average) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 944 (22nd percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Nowra High School, Year 7 students averaged 501 across the tested NAPLAN domains, below the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 513, well below the national average of 569 for that year level. 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.
Nowra High School is a medium-sized government secondary school with approximately 777 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.
Nowra 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− (Slightly below average) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Nowra High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 11.6:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 24% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 80%, which is below average.
The Year 12 completion rate is 86%.
Nowra High School is located in Nowra, NSW, in inner regional Australia. Its ICSEA is 944 (22nd 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.