Northcote High School vs Santa Maria College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.2 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
Santa Maria College
Northcote · Catholic high school · 7-12
779 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Northcote High School Northcote VIC | Santa Maria College Northcote VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 84 Top 5% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 348 | #27 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #31 of 1,472 | #59 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,668 | 779 |
| Girls / boys | 758 / 910 | 779 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 244 | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | 312 | 136 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 32 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 9% | 8.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -9% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1153 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 133.5 | 69.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 36.5 | 33.5 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Northcote 3070 | Northcote 3070 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.nhs.vic.edu.au | www.santamaria.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northcote High School scores higher on the Success Index (83.7 vs 80.8).
- •Northcote High School has the higher ICSEA (1153 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Santa Maria College has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 12.5).
- •Northcote High School is the larger school with 1,668 students compared with 779.
- •Northcote High School is a government school while Santa Maria 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 Northcote High School better than Santa Maria College?
On the Success Index, Northcote High School ranks higher (83.7 vs 80.8 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 Santa Maria College?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Northcote and Northcote in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northcote High School has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Santa Maria College has 11.3.
How do Northcote High School and Santa Maria College rank in VIC?
Northcote High School is 15th of 348 and Santa Maria College is 27th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.