Penrith High School

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About the school

Penrith Selective High School is an academically selective, co-educational secondary school located on Dharug Country in Penrith, New South Wales. With an enrolment of 920 students, 80% of whom come from non-English speaking backgrounds, the school fosters an inclusive environment where high potential and gifted students can thrive. The school's strong commitment to differentiated teaching ensures that it meets the diverse needs of all learners, particularly those who are highly gifted or twice exceptional (2e).

Academic Excellence

The curriculum at Penrith Selective High is built upon intellectually rigorous and conceptually rich learning experiences across all key learning areas. The school's teaching methodology emphasises evidence-informed practices coupled with explicit teaching, ensuring high expectations are set and met, which leads to outstanding HSC outcomes. In recent years, over 90 students have achieved an ATAR above 90, with a median ATAR of 92.50.

Enrichment and Opportunity

Beyond traditional academics, Penrith Selective High School offers extensive co-curricular and enrichment programs. Students engage in a range of activities that nurture their interests, including clubs focused on academic competitions, performing arts, and leadership opportunities. These initiatives not only foster a strong sense of community but also encourage students to develop their unique talents.

Wellbeing and Support

A priority at the school is the holistic development of each student. This encompasses academic growth, social-emotional support, and a robust wellbeing strategy designed to create a safe and welcoming environment. The partnership between teachers, wellbeing staff, and families is crucial in ensuring that students feel connected and confident in their learning journey.

Penrith Selective High School celebrates 70 years of public education in 2020, continuing to build strong foundations for the future.

Mission

We help high potential and gifted students to learn, grow and succeed.

Location & Catchment Area

Profile (2025)

Total enrolments
930 (400 girls, 530 boys)
Enrolments (FTE) What does this mean?
927.8
ICSEA What does this mean?
1186 (percentile 99)
SEA quarters What does this mean?
1% / 5% / 22% / 71%
Teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
62.8
Non-teaching staff (FTE) What does this mean?
12.4

Enrolments by grade (2025)

Grade Headcount
Year 7 150
Year 8 150
Year 9 150
Year 10 165
Year 11 157
Year 12 158
Total 930

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 930 400 530 - 1186 62.8
2024 928 395 533 95.2 1182 62.7
2023 936 389 547 95.4 1174 62.9
2022 935 395 540 94.6 1174 62.8
2021 930 400 530 96.7 1177 62.6
2020 915 404 511 - 1177 62.5
2019 917 391 526 95.3 1171 62.6
2018 922 387 535 95.9 1164 62.2
2017 926 395 531 95.5 1163 62.5
2016 951 419 532 95.8 1163 63.6
2015 939 412 527 95.6 1172 63.2
2014 931 410 521 96.2 1171 62.5
2013 926 405 521 96.6 1177 62.1
2012 927 406 521 95.6 1141 66
2011 912 383 529 95.6 1141 65
2010 903 378 525 - 1139 60.5
2009 905 380 525 - 1042 60.9
2008 900 394 506 - 1042 60.9

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.

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