Farmhouse Montessori School vs St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.8 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
St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School
Balgowlah · Catholic primary · K-6
232 students · ICSEA 1168
| Measure | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW | St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School Balgowlah NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #107 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #394 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 37 | 232 |
| Girls / boys | 23 / 14 | 146 / 86 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1168 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 65% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 5.3 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 13.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 4.0 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | Balgowlah 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ | www.scbdbb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 77.0).
- •St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1168 vs 1165), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 16.8).
- •St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 232 students compared with 37.
- •St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School has grown faster over five years (-15% vs -35%).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School is a independent school while St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is a catholic 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 St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 77.0 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 St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School?
About 1.8 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 St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School has 16.8.
How do Farmhouse Montessori School and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School is 107th of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.