About the school
Smith's Hill High School is a co-educational, academically selective high school located in central Wollongong. Entrance into Year 7 is determined by a state-administered examination, reflecting the school's commitment to academic excellence. The school environment is designed to be safe, positive, and rewarding, promoting high expectations for all students.
Core Values
The core values of Smith's Hill High School are encapsulated in the acronym ENRICH, representing Endeavour, Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Harmony. These principles guide the school's approach to education and student development.
Curriculum and Learning Environment
The school offers a vertically unitised curriculum, allowing students to accelerate across year groups and pursue individual learning pathways tailored to their strengths and interests. The balanced curriculum integrates academic pursuits with cultural and sporting experiences, made possible by the school's prime location close to Wollongong's resources, including beaches and various cultural venues.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students are actively encouraged to engage in numerous extra-curricular activities that foster personal growth and extend their talents. Opportunities include sports, camps, performing arts such as Rock Eisteddfod, debating, public speaking, and various music performances. These activities not only enhance learning but also support students in forming lifelong friendships.
Wellbeing Programs
Smith's Hill High School prioritises the wellbeing of its students through tailored initiatives that focus on cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development. The school's evidence-informed programs empower students to navigate challenges, build connections, and succeed both academically and personally.
Mission
Smith's Hill High School aims to promote excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation through providing a challenging, broadly-based curriculum in a positive, safe and rewarding environment.
Location & Catchment Area
- Smiths Hill High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Wollongong Public School 453 m
- B Para Meadows School 1.1 km
- C Illawarra Hospital School 1.3 km
- D Gwynneville Public School 1.5 km
- E Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts 1.5 km
- F Keira High School 1.6 km
- G Keiraville Public School 2.1 km
- H Wollongong West Public School 2.3 km
- I Mount Ousley Public School 2.3 km
- J Coniston Public School 2.4 km
- K Mount St Thomas Public School 3.1 km
- L Fairy Meadow Public School 3.2 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 736 (320 girls, 416 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 735.4
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1186 (percentile 99)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 2% / 8% / 23% / 67%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 10
- Indigenous students
- 1%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 42%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 55
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 10.7
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 120 |
| Year 8 | 118 |
| Year 9 | 118 |
| Year 10 | 119 |
| Year 11 | 127 |
| Year 12 | 134 |
| Total | 736 |
Year by year
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.
| Year | Enrolments | Girls | Boys | Attendance % | ICSEA | Teaching staff (FTE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 736 | 320 | 416 | - | 1186 | 55 |
| 2024 | 737 | 330 | 407 | 91 | 1186 | 54.7 |
| 2023 | 734 | 316 | 418 | 92.6 | 1192 | 55 |
| 2022 | 725 | 320 | 405 | 89.5 | 1192 | 53.9 |
| 2021 | 725 | 326 | 399 | 94 | 1204 | 54.1 |
| 2020 | 728 | 327 | 401 | - | 1202 | 53.8 |
| 2019 | 730 | 314 | 416 | 95.4 | 1200 | 54.7 |
| 2018 | 730 | 320 | 410 | 95.2 | 1195 | 54.3 |
| 2017 | 745 | 331 | 414 | 96.3 | 1192 | 54.4 |
| 2016 | 746 | 341 | 405 | 96.7 | 1193 | 54.5 |
| 2015 | 752 | 349 | 403 | 96.3 | 1195 | 55.2 |
| 2014 | 756 | 358 | 398 | 95.7 | 1192 | 55.2 |
| 2013 | 756 | 378 | 378 | 94.2 | 1203 | 55.1 |
| 2012 | 751 | 361 | 390 | 94.1 | 1141 | 55.2 |
| 2011 | 759 | 375 | 384 | 94.2 | 1145 | 54.7 |
| 2010 | 762 | 379 | 383 | - | 1147 | 54.8 |
| 2009 | 752 | 364 | 388 | - | 1088 | 54.5 |
| 2008 | 738 | 359 | 379 | - | 1088 | 53.6 |
Attendance data for 2020 is unavailable — NSW schools were disrupted by COVID-19 and the Department of Education did not publish figures for that year.