Northern College of the Arts and Technology vs Thornbury High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.8 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
Thornbury High School
Thornbury · Government high school · 7-12
1,123 students · ICSEA 1067
| Measure | Northern College of the Arts and Technology Preston VIC | Thornbury High School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #61 of 348 | #46 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #134 of 1,472 | #104 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 367 | 1,123 |
| Girls / boys | 193 / 174 | 531 / 592 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 231 |
| Year 12 cohort | 124 | 149 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 30 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 4.9% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1060 | 1067 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 44.5 | 91.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.6 | 35.1 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 35% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ncat.vic.edu.au | www.thornburyhs.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thornbury High School scores higher on the Success Index (77.4 vs 76.1).
- •Thornbury High School has the higher ICSEA (1067 vs 1060), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Northern College of the Arts and Technology has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 11.9).
- •Thornbury High School is the larger school with 1,123 students compared with 367.
- •Thornbury High School 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 Thornbury High School?
On the Success Index, Thornbury High School ranks higher (77.4 vs 76.1 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 Thornbury High School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Preston and Thornbury 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 Thornbury High School has 11.9.
How do Northern College of the Arts and Technology and Thornbury High School rank in VIC?
Northern College of the Arts and Technology is 61st of 348 and Thornbury High School is 46th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.