East Preston Islamic College vs Northern College of the Arts and Technology
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
East Preston Islamic College
Preston · Independent combined · Prep-12
733 students · ICSEA 976
Northern College of the Arts and Technology
Preston · Government high school · 10-12
367 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | East Preston Islamic College Preston VIC | Northern College of the Arts and Technology Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 32 Lower 50% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #221 of 239 | #61 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1037 of 1,259 | #134 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 10-12 |
| Students | 733 | 367 |
| Girls / boys | 373 / 360 | 193 / 174 |
| Foundation intake | 71 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 60 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 15 | 124 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 25 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 4.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 976 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 36th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 8.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.4 | 44.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 57.5 | 21.6 |
| Language background other than English | 96% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.epic.vic.edu.au | www.ncat.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology scores higher on the Success Index (76.1 vs 31.5).
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 976), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 11.7).
- •East Preston Islamic College is the larger school with 733 students compared with 367.
- •East Preston Islamic College has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -19%).
- •East Preston Islamic College is a independent school while Northern College of the Arts and Technology is a government 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 East Preston Islamic College better than Northern College of the Arts and Technology?
On the Success Index, Northern College of the Arts and Technology ranks higher (76.1 vs 31.5 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 East Preston Islamic College and Northern College of the Arts and Technology?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Preston and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
East Preston Islamic College has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Northern College of the Arts and Technology has 8.1.
How do East Preston Islamic College and Northern College of the Arts and Technology rank in VIC?
East Preston Islamic College is 221st of 239 and Northern College of the Arts and Technology is 61st of 348 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.