Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts
Whatever you do, do well
About the school
Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts is a culturally diverse, co-educational specialist high school located in Fairy Meadow. The school is renowned for its strong commitment to both academic excellence and excellence in the performing arts, providing a broad and flexible curriculum with an emphasis on quality teaching. Students at the school are encouraged to pursue their goals and are given numerous opportunities to excel through various programs, including exceptional sports initiatives. The school's sporting programs are well-regarded, with students frequently representing the school in rugby league, soccer, basketball, netball, gymnastics, athletics, and swimming.
The school boasts a team of experienced and dedicated teachers who deliver innovative programs aimed at inspiring students through higher order thinking activities. This commitment to quality teaching is reflected in the school's excellent Higher School Certificate (HSC) results, frequently among the best in the region. The performing arts curriculum is enriched by outstanding creative programs, allowing students to collaborate and succeed within their artistic disciplines.
Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts also has strong links with local primary schools, ensuring a smooth transition for Year 6 students. Enrolment is open to students residing within the local area, with additional opportunities for talented students through an audition process. The school fosters a welcoming and inclusive community, promoting shared values of safety, tolerance, achievement, and respect. Since its founding in 1916, the school has continued to provide high-quality education and serves the Illawarra region with pride.
Mission
Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts aims to provide quality learning and teaching opportunities that are personalised, differentiated, evidenced based and promote ongoing and rigorous improvement. The school offers a fully integrated academic and arts curriculum that focuses on excellence, providing quality teaching and learning.
Location & Catchment Area
- Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Keira High School 128 m
- B Para Meadows School 532 m
- C Mount Ousley Public School 845 m
- D Gwynneville Public School 1.5 km
- E Smiths Hill High School 1.5 km
- F Keiraville Public School 1.7 km
- G Fairy Meadow Public School 1.8 km
- H Pleasant Heights Public School 1.9 km
- I Wollongong Public School 2.0 km
- J Illawarra Hospital School 2.1 km
- K Towradgi Public School 2.2 km
- L Wollongong West Public School 2.6 km
Profile (2025)
- Total enrolments
- 1,169 (796 girls, 373 boys)
- Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
- 1,168.4
- ICSEA What does this mean?
- 1075 (percentile 77)
- SEA quarters What does this mean?
- 14% / 23% / 30% / 34%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 49
- Indigenous students
- 5%
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 26%
- Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 84.1
- Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
- 18.4
Enrolments by grade (2025)
| Grade | Headcount |
|---|---|
| Year 7 | 252 |
| Year 8 | 209 |
| Year 9 | 173 |
| Year 10 | 196 |
| Year 11 | 164 |
| Year 12 | 175 |
| Total | 1,169 |
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 | 1,169 | 796 | 373 | - | 1075 | 84.1 |
| 2024 | 1,073 | 716 | 357 | 85.1 | 1068 | 79.8 |
| 2023 | 1,078 | 719 | 359 | 85.9 | 1066 | 79.1 |
| 2022 | 1,125 | 759 | 366 | 84.7 | 1060 | 83.7 |
| 2021 | 1,180 | 778 | 402 | 87.4 | 1057 | 85.9 |
| 2020 | 1,200 | 775 | 425 | - | 1053 | 87.9 |
| 2019 | 1,208 | 769 | 439 | 90 | 1049 | 87.7 |
| 2018 | 1,188 | 755 | 433 | 90.2 | 1045 | 86 |
| 2017 | 1,155 | 718 | 437 | 90.3 | 1044 | 83.7 |
| 2016 | 1,125 | 699 | 426 | 91 | 1042 | 82.4 |
| 2015 | 1,091 | 673 | 418 | 89.9 | 1036 | 81.4 |
| 2014 | 1,046 | 659 | 387 | 91.5 | 1040 | 77.1 |
| 2013 | 983 | 622 | 361 | 90.2 | 1040 | 74.3 |
| 2012 | 958 | 595 | 363 | 90.9 | 1030 | 71.8 |
| 2011 | 921 | 569 | 352 | 90.2 | 1030 | 68.1 |
| 2010 | 881 | 550 | 331 | - | 1032 | 66.8 |
| 2009 | 889 | 552 | 337 | - | 1051 | 69.3 |
| 2008 | 893 | 555 | 338 | - | 1051 | 71 |
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.