Deutsche Schule Melbourne vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Deutsche Schule Melbourne
Fitzroy North · Independent primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 1186
St Joseph's School
Northcote · Catholic primary · Prep-6
190 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Deutsche Schule Melbourne Fitzroy North VIC | St Joseph's School Northcote VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 86 Top 5% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #14 of 1,290 | #88 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #20 of 4,908 | #147 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 165 | 190 |
| Girls / boys | 79 / 86 | 89 / 101 |
| Foundation intake | 24 | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +30% | +44% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1186 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 99th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 77% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.3 | 17.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Language background other than English | 79% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Fitzroy North 3068 | Northcote 3070 |
| Council area | Yarra | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.dsm.org.au | www.sjnorthcote.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Deutsche Schule Melbourne scores higher on the Success Index (86.4 vs 81.1).
- •Deutsche Schule Melbourne has the higher ICSEA (1186 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Deutsche Schule Melbourne has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 11.0).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 190 students compared with 165.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (44% vs 30%).
- •Deutsche Schule Melbourne is a independent school while St Joseph's School is a catholic 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 Deutsche Schule Melbourne better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, Deutsche Schule Melbourne ranks higher (86.4 vs 81.1 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 Deutsche Schule Melbourne and St Joseph's School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Fitzroy North and Northcote in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Deutsche Schule Melbourne has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 11.0.
How do Deutsche Schule Melbourne and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Deutsche Schule Melbourne is 14th of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is 88th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.