Northcote High School vs Our Lady Help of Christians School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northcote High School
Northcote · Government high school · 7-12
1,668 students · ICSEA 1153
Our Lady Help of Christians School
Brunswick East · Catholic primary · Prep-6
249 students · ICSEA 1124
| Measure | Northcote High School Northcote VIC | Our Lady Help of Christians School Brunswick East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 84 Top 5% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 348 | #101 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #31 of 1,472 | #170 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,668 | 249 |
| Girls / boys | 758 / 910 | 129 / 120 |
| Foundation intake | – | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | 244 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 312 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 9% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | -26% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1153 | 1124 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 133.5 | 21.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 36.5 | 4.7 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 54% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Northcote 3070 | Brunswick East 3057 |
| Council area | Darebin | Merri-bek |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.nhs.vic.edu.au | www.olbrunswickeast.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northcote High School scores higher on the Success Index (83.7 vs 80.5).
- •Northcote High School has the higher ICSEA (1153 vs 1124), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Our Lady Help of Christians School has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 12.5).
- •Northcote High School is the larger school with 1,668 students compared with 249.
- •Northcote High School has grown faster over five years (-9% vs -26%).
- •Northcote High School is a government school while Our Lady Help of Christians 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 Northcote High School better than Our Lady Help of Christians School?
On the Success Index, Northcote High School ranks higher (83.7 vs 80.5 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 Northcote High School and Our Lady Help of Christians School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Northcote and Brunswick East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northcote High School has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Our Lady Help of Christians School has 11.9.
How do Northcote High School and Our Lady Help of Christians School rank in VIC?
Northcote High School is 15th of 348 and Our Lady Help of Christians School is 101st of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.