Penders Grove Primary School vs Preston South Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 952 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penders Grove Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
160 students · ICSEA 1021
Preston South Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
397 students · ICSEA 1127
| Measure | Penders Grove Primary School Thornbury VIC | Preston South Primary School Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 89 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #746 of 1,290 | #6 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2225 of 4,908 | #9 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 160 | 397 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 86 | 202 / 195 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 71 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1021 | 1127 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 30.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.2 | 5.2 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 35% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 4% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pendersgroveps.vic.edu.au/ | www.prestonsouthps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Preston South Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (88.7 vs 56.4).
- •Preston South Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1127 vs 1021), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Preston South Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.6).
- •Preston South Primary School is the larger school with 397 students compared with 160.
- •Preston South Primary School has grown faster over five years (35% vs -21%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Hawthorn
Frequently asked questions
Is Penders Grove Primary School better than Preston South Primary School?
On the Success Index, Preston South Primary School ranks higher (88.7 vs 56.4 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 Penders Grove Primary School and Preston South Primary School?
About 952 m in a straight line, between Thornbury and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penders Grove Primary School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Preston South Primary School has 12.9.
How do Penders Grove Primary School and Preston South Primary School rank in VIC?
Penders Grove Primary School is 746th of 1,290 and Preston South Primary School is 6th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.