Preston High School vs St John's College Preston
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 842 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Preston High School
Preston · Government high school · 7-12
1,275 students · ICSEA 1104
St John's College Preston
Preston · Independent combined · Prep-12
345 students · ICSEA 1066
| Measure | Preston High School Preston VIC | St John's College Preston Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #23 of 348 | #83 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #47 of 1,472 | #268 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,275 | 345 |
| Girls / boys | 631 / 644 | 161 / 184 |
| Foundation intake | – | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 274 | 41 |
| Year 12 cohort | 151 | 20 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 7% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +321% | +35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1104 | 1066 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 97.4 | 40.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.1 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 32% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 0% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.phs.vic.edu.au | www.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Preston High School scores higher on the Success Index (81.8 vs 69.7).
- •Preston High School has the higher ICSEA (1104 vs 1066), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John's College Preston has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 13.1).
- •Preston High School is the larger school with 1,275 students compared with 345.
- •Preston High School has grown faster over five years (321% vs 35%).
- •Preston High School is a government school while St John's College Preston is an independent school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
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 Preston High School better than St John's College Preston?
On the Success Index, Preston High School ranks higher (81.8 vs 69.7 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 Preston High School and St John's College Preston?
About 842 m in a straight line, between Preston and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Preston High School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College Preston has 8.6.
How do Preston High School and St John's College Preston rank in VIC?
Preston High School is 23rd of 348 and St John's College Preston is 83rd of 239 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.