Niddrie Autistic School vs St Bernard's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 693 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Niddrie Autistic School
Niddrie · Government special · U
153 students · ICSEA 1038
St Bernard's College
Essendon · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,567 students · ICSEA 1100
| Measure | Niddrie Autistic School Niddrie VIC | St Bernard's College Essendon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #53 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #124 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Special | Secondary |
| Year range | U | 7-12 |
| Students | 153 | 1,567 |
| Girls / boys | 42 / 111 | 0 / 1,567 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 277 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 247 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 8.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1038 | 1100 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 3.9 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 39.5 | 121.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 37.3 | 59.8 |
| Language background other than English | 56% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Niddrie 3042 | Essendon 3040 |
| Council area | Moonee Valley | Moonee Valley |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | niddrieautisticschool.vic.edu.au | www.sbc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Bernard's College has the higher ICSEA (1100 vs 1038), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Niddrie Autistic School has fewer students per teacher (3.9 vs 12.9).
- •St Bernard's College is the larger school with 1,567 students compared with 153.
- •Niddrie Autistic School is a government school while St Bernard's College 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 Niddrie Autistic School better than St Bernard's College?
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 Niddrie Autistic School and St Bernard's College?
About 693 m in a straight line, between Niddrie and Essendon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Niddrie Autistic School has 3.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Bernard's College has 12.9.
How do Niddrie Autistic School and St Bernard's College rank in VIC?
Niddrie Autistic School is unranked and St Bernard's College is 53rd of 348 among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.