Inner Sydney Montessori School vs Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in New South Wales, 867 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Inner Sydney Montessori School
Balmain · Independent primary · K-6
95 students · ICSEA 1178
Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus
Rozelle · Government high school · 7-10
854 students · ICSEA 1112
| Measure | Inner Sydney Montessori School Balmain NSW | Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus Rozelle NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 83 Top 5% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #21 of 1,619 | #55 of 539 |
| National rank (type) | #83 of 4,908 | #159 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-10 |
| Students | 95 | 854 |
| Girls / boys | 40 / 55 | 335 / 519 |
| Foundation intake | 16 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 194 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -42% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1178 | 1112 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 6.4 | 13.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.8 | 64.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.7 | 16.4 |
| Language background other than English | 51% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 5% |
| Suburb | Balmain 2041 | Rozelle 2039 |
| Council area | Inner West | Inner West |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.isms.nsw.edu.au | balmain-h.schools.nsw.gov.au |
The verdict
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 75.5).
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1178 vs 1112), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (6.4 vs 13.2).
- •Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus is the larger school with 854 students compared with 95.
- •Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus has grown faster over five years (13% vs -42%).
- •Inner Sydney Montessori School is a independent school while Sydney Secondary College Balmain 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Inner Sydney Montessori School better than Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus?
On the Success Index, Inner Sydney Montessori School ranks higher (83.0 vs 75.5 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 Inner Sydney Montessori School and Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus?
About 867 m in a straight line, between Balmain and Rozelle in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Inner Sydney Montessori School has 6.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus has 13.2.
How do Inner Sydney Montessori School and Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus rank in NSW?
Inner Sydney Montessori School is 21st of 1,619 and Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus is 55th of 539 among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.