Balgowlah North Public School vs Farmhouse Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 10 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balgowlah North Public School
North Balgowlah · Government primary · K-6
381 students · ICSEA 1169
Farmhouse Montessori School
North Balgowlah · Independent primary · K-6
37 students · ICSEA 1165
| Measure | Balgowlah North Public School North Balgowlah NSW | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 82 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #128 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #479 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 381 | 37 |
| Girls / boys | 194 / 187 | 23 / 14 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | 6 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -25% | -35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1169 | 1165 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 68% | 70% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 19.0 | 5.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 7.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 3.4 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | North Balgowlah 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | balgowlahn-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 75.7).
- •Balgowlah North Public School has the higher ICSEA (1169 vs 1165), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 19.0).
- •Balgowlah North Public School is the larger school with 381 students compared with 37.
- •Balgowlah North Public School has grown faster over five years (-25% vs -35%).
- •Balgowlah North Public School is a government school while Farmhouse Montessori School is an independent 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 Balgowlah North Public School better than Farmhouse Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 75.7 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 Balgowlah North Public School and Farmhouse Montessori School?
About 10 m in a straight line, between North Balgowlah and North Balgowlah in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balgowlah North Public School has 19.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Farmhouse Montessori School has 5.3.
How do Balgowlah North Public School and Farmhouse Montessori School rank in NSW?
Balgowlah North Public School is 128th of 1,619 and Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.