Masada College vs Northside Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 2.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Masada College
St Ives · Independent combined · K-12
368 students · ICSEA 1162
Northside Montessori School
Pymble · Independent combined · K-10
159 students · ICSEA 1147
| Measure | Masada College St Ives NSW | Northside Montessori School Pymble NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 10% | 79 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #34 of 314 | #49 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #83 of 1,259 | #122 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | K-10 |
| Students | 368 | 159 |
| Girls / boys | 124 / 244 | 74 / 85 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | 23 | 17 |
| Year 12 cohort | 47 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +59% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1162 | 1147 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 64% | 59% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 9.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 45.6 | 17.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 63% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | St Ives 2075 | Pymble 2073 |
| Council area | Ku-ring-gai | Ku-ring-gai |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.masada.nsw.edu.au | www.northsidemontessori.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Masada College scores higher on the Success Index (81.3 vs 79.2).
- •Masada College has the higher ICSEA (1162 vs 1147), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Masada College has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 9.4).
- •Masada College is the larger school with 368 students compared with 159.
- •Northside Montessori School has grown faster over five years (59% vs -18%).
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 Masada College better than Northside Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Masada College ranks higher (81.3 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 Masada College and Northside Montessori School?
About 2.8 km in a straight line, between St Ives and Pymble in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Masada College has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northside Montessori School has 9.4.
How do Masada College and Northside Montessori School rank in NSW?
Masada College is 34th of 314 and Northside Montessori School is 49th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.