Farmhouse Montessori School vs Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 1.6 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
Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus
Balgowlah · Government high school · 7-12
1,100 students · ICSEA 1115
| Measure | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW | Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus Balgowlah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #114 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | – | #293 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 37 | 1,100 |
| Girls / boys | 23 / 14 | 0 / 1,100 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 173 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1115 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 5.3 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 76.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 14.0 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | Balgowlah 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ | nbscbalgb-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 69.8).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1165 vs 1115), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 14.4).
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus is the larger school with 1,100 students compared with 37.
- •Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -35%).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School is a independent school while Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus 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 Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 69.8 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 Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between North Balgowlah and Balgowlah 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 Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus has 14.4.
How do Farmhouse Montessori School and Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus rank in NSW?
Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked and Northern Beaches Secondary College Balgowlah Boys Campus is 114th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.