Bell Primary School vs Preston West Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bell Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
440 students · ICSEA 1165
Preston West Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
670 students · ICSEA 1135
| Measure | Bell Primary School Preston VIC | Preston West Primary School Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 5% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #113 of 1,290 | #240 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #203 of 4,908 | #491 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 440 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 215 / 225 | 313 / 357 |
| Foundation intake | 69 | 92 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1165 | 1135 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 69% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 15.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 42.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.9 | 13.2 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bellps.vic.edu.au | www.prestonwest.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Bell Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (79.7 vs 75.6).
- •Bell Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1165 vs 1135), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bell Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.4 vs 15.6).
- •Preston West Primary School is the larger school with 670 students compared with 440.
- •Preston West Primary School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -13%).
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 Bell Primary School better than Preston West Primary School?
On the Success Index, Bell Primary School ranks higher (79.7 vs 75.6 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 Bell Primary School and Preston West Primary School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Preston and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bell Primary School has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Preston West Primary School has 15.6.
How do Bell Primary School and Preston West Primary School rank in VIC?
Bell Primary School is 113th of 1,290 and Preston West Primary School is 240th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.