Northcote Primary School vs Santa Maria College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 516 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northcote Primary School
Northcote · Government primary · Prep-6
303 students · ICSEA 1166
Santa Maria College
Northcote · Catholic high school · 7-12
779 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Northcote Primary School Northcote VIC | Santa Maria College Northcote VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #188 of 1,290 | #27 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #365 of 4,908 | #59 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 303 | 779 |
| Girls / boys | 150 / 153 | 779 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 37 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 136 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 32 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 8.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1166 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.0 | 69.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 3.6 | 33.5 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Northcote 3070 | Northcote 3070 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.northcoteps.vic.edu.au | www.santamaria.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Santa Maria College scores higher on the Success Index (80.8 vs 77.5).
- •Northcote Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1166 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Santa Maria College has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 13.8).
- •Santa Maria College is the larger school with 779 students compared with 303.
- •Santa Maria College has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -23%).
- •Northcote Primary 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 Primary School better than Santa Maria College?
On the Success Index, Santa Maria College ranks higher (80.8 vs 77.5 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 Primary School and Santa Maria College?
About 516 m in a straight line, between Northcote and Northcote in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northcote Primary School has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Santa Maria College has 11.3.
How do Northcote Primary School and Santa Maria College rank in VIC?
Northcote Primary School is 188th of 1,290 and Santa Maria College is 27th of 348 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.