Balmain Public School vs Inner Sydney Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 655 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balmain Public School
Balmain · Government primary · K-6
321 students · ICSEA 1172
Inner Sydney Montessori School
Balmain · Independent primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1178
| Measure | Balmain Public School Balmain NSW | Inner Sydney Montessori School Balmain NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #151 of 1,619 | #21 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #566 of 4,908 | #83 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 321 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 149 / 172 | 40 / 55 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 16 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | -42% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1172 | 1178 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 69% | 71% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 17.9 | 6.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 14.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.9 | 22.7 |
| Language background other than English | 38% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Balmain 2041 |
| Council area | Inner West | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | balmain-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.isms.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 74.6).
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1178 vs 1172), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (6.4 vs 17.9).
- •Balmain Public School is the larger school with 321 students compared with 95.
- •Balmain Public School has grown faster over five years (-16% vs -42%).
- •Balmain Public School is a government school while Inner Sydney 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 Balmain Public School better than Inner Sydney Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Inner Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (83.0 vs 74.6 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 Balmain Public School and Inner Sydney Montessori School?
About 655 m in a straight line, between Balmain and Balmain in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balmain Public School has 17.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Inner Sydney Montessori School has 6.4.
How do Balmain Public School and Inner Sydney Montessori School rank in NSW?
Balmain Public School is 151st of 1,619 and Inner Sydney Montessori School is 21st of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.