Canberra Montessori School vs Charles Weston School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Canberra Montessori School
Holder · Independent primary · K-6
96 students · ICSEA 1128
Charles Weston School
Coombs · Government primary · K-6
511 students · ICSEA 1099
| Measure | Canberra Montessori School Holder ACT | Charles Weston School Coombs ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 5% | 73 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 80 | #36 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #267 of 4,908 | #770 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 96 | 511 |
| Girls / boys | 51 / 45 | 252 / 259 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +43% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1128 | 1099 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 56% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.4 | 36.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.1 | 12.4 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 55% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 4% |
| Suburb | Holder 2611 | Coombs 2611 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cms.act.edu.au/ | www.charlesweston.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Canberra Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (78.8 vs 72.7).
- •Canberra Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1128 vs 1099), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canberra Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 14.0).
- •Charles Weston School is the larger school with 511 students compared with 96.
- •Canberra Montessori School has grown faster over five years (43% vs 5%).
- •Canberra Montessori School is a independent school while Charles Weston School is a government school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Canberra Montessori School better than Charles Weston School?
On the Success Index, Canberra Montessori School ranks higher (78.8 vs 72.7 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Canberra Montessori School and Charles Weston School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Holder and Coombs in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Canberra Montessori School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Charles Weston School has 14.0.
How do Canberra Montessori School and Charles Weston School rank in ACT?
Canberra Montessori School is 15th of 80 and Charles Weston School is 36th of 80 among primary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.