Farmhouse Montessori School vs Seaforth 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
Seaforth Public School
Seaforth · Government primary · K-6
394 students · ICSEA 1165
| Measure | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW | Seaforth Public School Seaforth NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #134 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #511 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 37 | 394 |
| Girls / boys | 23 / 14 | 208 / 186 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 62 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1165 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 67% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 5.3 | 18.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 20.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | Seaforth 2092 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ | seaforth-p.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 75.3).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 18.9).
- •Seaforth Public School is the larger school with 394 students compared with 37.
- •Seaforth Public School has grown faster over five years (-23% vs -35%).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School is a independent school while Seaforth 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Farmhouse Montessori School better than Seaforth Public School?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 75.3 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 Seaforth Public School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between North Balgowlah and Seaforth 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 Seaforth Public School has 18.9.
How do Farmhouse Montessori School and Seaforth Public School rank in NSW?
Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked and Seaforth Public School is 134th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.