Northern College of the Arts and Technology vs Norwood Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 20 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northern College of the Arts and Technology
Preston · Government high school · 10-12
367 students · ICSEA 1060
Norwood Secondary College
Ringwood · Government high school · 7-12
1,083 students · ICSEA 1059
| Measure | Northern College of the Arts and Technology Preston VIC | Norwood Secondary College Ringwood VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 348 | #120 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #134 of 1,472 | #353 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 367 | 1,083 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 174 | 530 / 553 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 199 |
| Year 12 cohort | 124 | 144 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 3.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1059 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 14.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 44.5 | 76.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.6 | 35.1 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Ringwood 3134 |
| Council area | Darebin | Maroondah |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ncat.vic.edu.au | www.norwood.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology scores higher on the Success Index (76.1 vs 67.2).
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 1059), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 14.1).
- •Norwood Secondary College is the larger school with 1,083 students compared with 367.
- •Norwood Secondary College has grown faster over five years (4% vs -19%).
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 Northern College of the Arts and Technology better than Norwood Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Northern College of the Arts and Technology ranks higher (76.1 vs 67.2 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 Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Norwood Secondary College?
About 20 km in a straight line, between Preston and Ringwood in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northern College of the Arts and Technology has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Norwood Secondary College has 14.1.
How do Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Norwood Secondary College rank in VIC?
Northern College of the Arts and Technology is 61st of 348 and Norwood Secondary College is 120th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.