Farmhouse Montessori School vs Manly Vale Public School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Farmhouse Montessori School
North Balgowlah · Independent primary · K-6
37 students · ICSEA 1165
Manly Vale Public School
Manly Vale · Government primary · K-6
553 students · ICSEA 1129
| Measure | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW | Manly Vale Public School Manly Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #115 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #436 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 37 | 553 |
| Girls / boys | 23 / 14 | 270 / 283 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 65 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1129 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 51% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 5.3 | 17.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 32.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 4.1 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | Manly Vale 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ | manlyvale-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 76.5).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1165 vs 1129), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 17.2).
- •Manly Vale Public School is the larger school with 553 students compared with 37.
- •Manly Vale Public School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -35%).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School is a independent school while Manly Vale Public School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dee Why
Frequently asked questions
Is Farmhouse Montessori School better than Manly Vale Public School?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 76.5 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 Farmhouse Montessori School and Manly Vale Public School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between North Balgowlah and Manly Vale in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Farmhouse Montessori School has 5.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Manly Vale Public School has 17.2.
How do Farmhouse Montessori School and Manly Vale Public School rank in NSW?
Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked and Manly Vale Public School is 115th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.