Riverwood Public School vs Southside Montessori School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in New South Wales, 613 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Riverwood Public School
Riverwood · Government primary · P-6
126 students · ICSEA 958
Southside Montessori School
Riverwood · Independent primary · K-6
32 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Riverwood Public School Riverwood NSW | Southside Montessori School Riverwood NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #1076 of 1,619 | – |
| National rank (type) | #3362 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | P-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 126 | 32 |
| Girls / boys | 60 / 66 | 12 / 20 |
| Foundation intake | 28 | 3 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 958 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 9.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.1 | 3.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.0 | 1.5 |
| Language background other than English | 82% | 87% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 3% |
| Suburb | Riverwood 2210 | Riverwood 2210 |
| Council area | Canterbury-Bankstown | Georges River |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | riverwood-p.schools.nsw.gov.au | www.southsidemontessori.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Southside Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (76.6 vs 40.9).
- •Southside Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1110 vs 958), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Southside Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (9.3 vs 11.4).
- •Riverwood Public School is the larger school with 126 students compared with 32.
- •Southside Montessori School has grown faster over five years (33% vs 21%).
- •Riverwood Public School is a government school while Southside Montessori School is an independent 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 Riverwood Public School better than Southside Montessori School?
On the Success Index, Southside Montessori School ranks higher (76.6 vs 40.9 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 Riverwood Public School and Southside Montessori School?
About 613 m in a straight line, between Riverwood and Riverwood in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Riverwood Public School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Southside Montessori School has 9.3.
How do Riverwood Public School and Southside Montessori School rank in NSW?
Riverwood Public School is 1076th of 1,619 and Southside Montessori School is unranked among primary schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.