Birchgrove Public School vs Nicholson Street Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.5 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
Nicholson Street Public School
Balmain East · Government primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1151
| Measure | Birchgrove Public School Balmain NSW | Nicholson Street Public School Balmain East NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #167 of 1,619 | #86 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | #605 of 4,908 | #328 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | P-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 214 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 118 / 96 | 45 / 50 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 12 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -45% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1132 | 1151 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 61% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.9 | 18.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.4 | 5.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.7 | 1.6 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Balmain East 2041 |
| Council area | Inner West | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | birchgrove-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 74.2).
- •Nicholson Street Public School has the higher ICSEA (1151 vs 1132), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Birchgrove Public School has fewer students per teacher (13.9 vs 18.3).
- •Birchgrove Public School is the larger school with 214 students compared with 95.
- •Nicholson Street Public School has grown faster over five years (-27% vs -45%).
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 Nicholson Street Public School?
On the Success Index, Nicholson Street Public School ranks higher (78.0 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 Nicholson Street Public School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Balmain and Balmain East 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 Nicholson Street Public School has 18.3.
How do Birchgrove Public School and Nicholson Street Public School rank in NSW?
Birchgrove Public School is 167th 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.