Northern College of the Arts and Technology vs Preston Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.7 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
Preston Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
646 students · ICSEA 1113
| Measure | Northern College of the Arts and Technology Preston VIC | Preston Primary School Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 348 | #251 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #134 of 1,472 | #519 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 10-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 367 | 646 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 174 | 329 / 317 |
| Foundation intake | – | 89 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 124 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1113 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 14.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 44.5 | 43.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.6 | 15.9 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ncat.vic.edu.au | www.preston-ps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (76.1 vs 75.2).
- •Preston Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1113 vs 1060), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 14.9).
- •Preston Primary School is the larger school with 646 students compared with 367.
- •Preston Primary School has grown faster over five years (-8% 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 Preston Primary School?
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 Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Preston Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Preston and Preston 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 Preston Primary School has 14.9.
How do Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Preston Primary School rank in VIC?
Northern College of the Arts and Technology is 61st of 348 and Preston Primary School is 251st of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.