Farmhouse Montessori School vs St Kieran's Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 1.9 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 Kieran's Catholic Primary School
Manly Vale · Catholic primary · K-6
141 students · ICSEA 1122
| Measure | Farmhouse Montessori School North Balgowlah NSW | St Kieran's Catholic Primary School Manly Vale NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #183 of 1,619 |
| National rank (type) | – | #663 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | K-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 37 | 141 |
| Girls / boys | 23 / 14 | 66 / 75 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -35% | -44% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1122 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 70% | 46% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 5.3 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.0 | 10.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.4 | 2.1 |
| Language background other than English | 20% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | North Balgowlah 2093 | Manly Vale 2093 |
| Council area | Northern Beaches | Northern Beaches |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | farmhousemontessori.org.au/ | www.skmvdbb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Farmhouse Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 73.7).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1165 vs 1122), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (5.3 vs 13.1).
- •St Kieran's Catholic Primary School is the larger school with 141 students compared with 37.
- •Farmhouse Montessori School has grown faster over five years (-35% vs -44%).
- •Farmhouse Montessori School is a independent school while St Kieran'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 Kieran's Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Farmhouse Montessori School ranks higher (81.6 vs 73.7 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 Kieran's Catholic Primary School?
About 1.9 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 St Kieran's Catholic Primary School has 13.1.
How do Farmhouse Montessori School and St Kieran's Catholic Primary School rank in NSW?
Farmhouse Montessori School is unranked and St Kieran's Catholic Primary School is 183rd of 1,619 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.