Preston Primary School vs St Gabriel's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Preston Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
646 students · ICSEA 1113
St Gabriel's School
Reservoir · Catholic primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Preston Primary School Preston VIC | St Gabriel's School Reservoir VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #251 of 1,290 | #414 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #519 of 4,908 | #1039 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 646 | 149 |
| Girls / boys | 329 / 317 | 81 / 68 |
| Foundation intake | 89 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1113 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 14.9 | 10.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 43.5 | 14.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 15.9 | 4.6 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 57% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Reservoir 3073 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.preston-ps.vic.edu.au | www.stgabrielststephensreservoir.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Preston Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (75.2 vs 69.7).
- •Preston Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1113 vs 1060), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Gabriel's School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 14.9).
- •Preston Primary School is the larger school with 646 students compared with 149.
- •St Gabriel's School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -8%).
- •Preston Primary School is a government school while St Gabriel's School is a catholic 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 Primary School better than St Gabriel's School?
On the Success Index, Preston Primary School ranks higher (75.2 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 Primary School and St Gabriel's School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Preston and Reservoir in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Preston Primary School has 14.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Gabriel's School has 10.1.
How do Preston Primary School and St Gabriel's School rank in VIC?
Preston Primary School is 251st of 1,290 and St Gabriel's School is 414th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.