Knox Grammar School vs Northside Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Knox Grammar School
Wahroonga · Independent combined · K-12
3,345 students · ICSEA 1187
Northside Montessori School
Pymble · Independent combined · K-10
159 students · ICSEA 1147
| Measure | Knox Grammar School Wahroonga NSW | Northside Montessori School Pymble NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 83 Top 5% | 79 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 314 | #49 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #67 of 1,259 | #122 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-10 |
| Students | 3,345 | 159 |
| Girls / boys | 73 / 3,272 | 74 / 85 |
| Foundation intake | 119 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | 380 | 17 |
| Year 12 cohort | 376 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +59% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1187 | 1147 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 77% | 59% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 9.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 291.6 | 17.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 262.6 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 53% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Wahroonga 2076 | Pymble 2073 |
| Council area | Ku-ring-gai | Ku-ring-gai |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.knox.nsw.edu.au/ | www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Knox Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (82.8 vs 79.2).
- •Knox Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1187 vs 1147), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northside Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 11.5).
- •Knox Grammar School is the larger school with 3,345 students compared with 159.
- •Northside Montessori School has grown faster over five years (59% vs 8%).
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 Knox Grammar School better than Northside Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Knox Grammar School ranks higher (82.8 vs 79.2 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 Knox Grammar School and Northside Montessori School?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Wahroonga and Pymble in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Knox Grammar School has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northside Montessori School has 9.4.
How do Knox Grammar School and Northside Montessori School rank in NSW?
Knox Grammar School is 24th of 314 and Northside Montessori School is 49th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.