Balmain Public School vs Nicholson Street Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 924 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
Nicholson Street Public School
Balmain East · Government primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1151
| Measure | Balmain Public School Balmain NSW | Nicholson Street Public School Balmain East NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #151 of 1,619 | #86 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #566 of 4,908 | #328 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 321 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 149 / 172 | 45 / 50 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 12 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1172 | 1151 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 69% | 61% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 17.9 | 18.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 5.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.9 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 38% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Balmain East 2041 |
| Council area | Inner West | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | balmain-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | nicholson-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Nicholson Street Public School scores higher on the Success Index (78.0 vs 74.6).
- •Balmain Public School has the higher ICSEA (1172 vs 1151), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balmain Public School is the larger school with 321 students compared with 95.
- •Balmain Public School has grown faster over five years (-16% vs -27%).
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 Nicholson Street Public School?
On the Success Index, Nicholson Street Public School ranks higher (78.0 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 Nicholson Street Public School?
About 924 m in a straight line, between Balmain and Balmain East 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 Nicholson Street Public School has 18.3.
How do Balmain Public School and Nicholson Street Public School rank in NSW?
Balmain Public School is 151st of 1,619 and Nicholson Street Public School is 86th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.