Northern College of the Arts and Technology vs Surf Coast Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 88 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
Surf Coast Secondary College
Torquay · Government high school · 7-12
879 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Northern College of the Arts and Technology Preston VIC | Surf Coast Secondary College Torquay VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 348 | #134 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #134 of 1,472 | #404 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 367 | 879 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 174 | 382 / 497 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 157 |
| Year 12 cohort | 124 | 130 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 5.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 44.5 | 67.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.6 | 27.4 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Torquay 3228 |
| Council area | Darebin | Surf Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ncat.vic.edu.au | www.surfcoastsecondarycollege.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology scores higher on the Success Index (76.1 vs 65.0).
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 13.0).
- •Surf Coast Secondary College is the larger school with 879 students compared with 367.
- •Surf Coast Secondary College has grown faster over five years (-9% 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 Surf Coast Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Northern College of the Arts and Technology ranks higher (76.1 vs 65.0 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 Surf Coast Secondary College?
About 88 km in a straight line, between Preston and Torquay 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 Surf Coast Secondary College has 13.0.
How do Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Surf Coast Secondary College rank in VIC?
Northern College of the Arts and Technology is 61st of 348 and Surf Coast Secondary College is 134th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.