Carlton Gardens Primary School vs Hester Hornbrook Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 657 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carlton Gardens Primary School
Carlton · Government primary · Prep-6
435 students · ICSEA 1133
Hester Hornbrook Academy
Melbourne · Independent special · 10-12
701 students · ICSEA 943
| Measure | Carlton Gardens Primary School Carlton VIC | Hester Hornbrook Academy Melbourne VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #185 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #354 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Special |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 10-12 |
| Students | 435 | 701 |
| Girls / boys | 215 / 220 | 390 / 311 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 5 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | +223% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 943 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 22th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.8 | 49.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 125.0 |
| Language background other than English | 76% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 7% |
| Suburb | Carlton 3053 | Melbourne 3000 |
| Council area | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carltongardens.vic.edu.au | www.hhacademy.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1133 vs 943), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 14.0).
- •Hester Hornbrook Academy is the larger school with 701 students compared with 435.
- •Hester Hornbrook Academy has grown faster over five years (223% vs -3%).
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School is a government school while Hester Hornbrook Academy 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 Carlton Gardens Primary School better than Hester Hornbrook Academy?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Carlton Gardens Primary School and Hester Hornbrook Academy?
About 657 m in a straight line, between Carlton and Melbourne in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carlton Gardens Primary School has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Hester Hornbrook Academy has 14.0.
How do Carlton Gardens Primary School and Hester Hornbrook Academy rank in VIC?
Carlton Gardens Primary School is 185th of 1,290 and Hester Hornbrook Academy is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.