Carlton Gardens Primary School vs River Nile School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.3 km 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
River Nile School
North Melbourne · Independent special · 11-12
121 students · ICSEA 820
| Measure | Carlton Gardens Primary School Carlton VIC | River Nile School North 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 | 11-12 |
| Students | 435 | 121 |
| Girls / boys | 215 / 220 | 121 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 30 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 820 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 3th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 88% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 34.8 | 14.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 24.4 |
| Language background other than English | 76% | 99% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Carlton 3053 | North Melbourne 3051 |
| Council area | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carltongardens.vic.edu.au | www.rivernileschool.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1133 vs 820), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •River Nile School has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 12.5).
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School is the larger school with 435 students compared with 121.
- •River Nile School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -3%).
- •Carlton Gardens Primary School is a government school while River Nile 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 Carlton Gardens Primary School better than River Nile School?
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 River Nile School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Carlton and North 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 River Nile School has 8.6.
How do Carlton Gardens Primary School and River Nile School rank in VIC?
Carlton Gardens Primary School is 185th of 1,290 and River Nile School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.