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
- Penrith High School
Nearby or Connected Schools
- A Penrith Public School 217 m
- B Penrith South Public School 967 m
- C Kingswood South Public School 1.5 km
- D Kingswood High School 1.7 km
- E Wadangali Public School 1.8 km
- F Cambridge Park Public School 2.1 km
- G Kingswood Public School 2.1 km
- H Jamison High School 2.2 km
- I York Public School 2.4 km
- J Cambridge Park High School 2.5 km
- K Cambridge Gardens Public School 2.6 km
- L Jamisontown Public School 2.8 km
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%
- FOEI What does this mean?
- 0
- LBOTE What does this mean?
- 94%
- 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.