Birchgrove Public School vs Inner Sydney Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Birchgrove Public School
Balmain · Government primary · P-6
214 students · ICSEA 1132
Inner Sydney Montessori School
Balmain · Independent primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1178
| Measure | Birchgrove Public School Balmain NSW | Inner Sydney Montessori School Balmain NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #167 of 1,619 | #21 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #605 of 4,908 | #83 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | P-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 214 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 118 / 96 | 40 / 55 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 16 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -45% | -42% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1132 | 1178 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 71% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 6.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 14.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.7 | 22.7 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Balmain 2041 |
| Council area | Inner West | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | birchgrove-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 74.2).
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1178 vs 1132), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (6.4 vs 13.9).
- •Birchgrove Public School is the larger school with 214 students compared with 95.
- •Birchgrove 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 Birchgrove Public School better than Inner Sydney Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Inner Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (83.0 vs 74.2 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 Birchgrove Public School and Inner Sydney Montessori School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Balmain and Balmain in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Birchgrove Public School has 13.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Inner Sydney Montessori School has 6.4.
How do Birchgrove Public School and Inner Sydney Montessori School rank in NSW?
Birchgrove Public School is 167th 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.