Canberra Montessori School vs Duffy Primary 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
Duffy Primary School
Duffy · Government primary · K-6
374 students · ICSEA 1088
| Measure | Canberra Montessori School Holder ACT | Duffy Primary School Duffy ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 5% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 80 | #29 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #267 of 4,908 | #527 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 96 | 374 |
| Girls / boys | 51 / 45 | 175 / 199 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 52 |
| 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 | 1088 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 56% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.4 | 29.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.1 | 11.7 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 6% |
| Suburb | Holder 2611 | Duffy 2611 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | cms.act.edu.au/ | www.duffyps.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Canberra Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (78.8 vs 75.1).
- •Canberra Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1128 vs 1088), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Canberra Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 12.8).
- •Duffy Primary School is the larger school with 374 students compared with 96.
- •Canberra Montessori School has grown faster over five years (43% vs -5%).
- •Canberra Montessori School is a independent school while Duffy Primary 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 Duffy Primary School?
On the Success Index, Canberra Montessori School ranks higher (78.8 vs 75.1 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 Duffy Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Holder and Duffy 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 Duffy Primary School has 12.8.
How do Canberra Montessori School and Duffy Primary School rank in ACT?
Canberra Montessori School is 15th of 80 and Duffy Primary School is 29th of 80 among primary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.