Preston South Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Preston South Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
397 students · ICSEA 1127
St Mary's School
Thornbury · Catholic primary · Prep-6
113 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | Preston South Primary School Preston VIC | St Mary's School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 89 Top 5% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 1,290 | #362 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #9 of 4,908 | #854 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 397 | 113 |
| Girls / boys | 202 / 195 | 61 / 52 |
| Foundation intake | 71 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +35% | -54% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1127 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.8 | 11.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.2 | 7.1 |
| Language background other than English | 35% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.prestonsouthps.vic.edu.au | www.smthornbury.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Preston South Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (88.7 vs 71.7).
- •Preston South Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1127 vs 1089), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 12.9).
- •Preston South Primary School is the larger school with 397 students compared with 113.
- •Preston South Primary School has grown faster over five years (35% vs -54%).
- •Preston South Primary School is a government school while St Mary'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 South Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, Preston South Primary School ranks higher (88.7 vs 71.7 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 South Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Preston and Thornbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Preston South Primary School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 9.7.
How do Preston South Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Preston South Primary School is 6th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 362nd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.