Preston West Primary School vs Sacred Heart 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 West Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
670 students · ICSEA 1135
Sacred Heart School
Preston · Catholic primary · Prep-6
117 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Preston West Primary School Preston VIC | Sacred Heart School Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 10% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #240 of 1,290 | #301 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #491 of 4,908 | #661 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 670 | 117 |
| Girls / boys | 313 / 357 | 59 / 58 |
| Foundation intake | 92 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1135 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 52% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 12.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 42.9 | 9.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.2 | 6.1 |
| Language background other than English | 58% | 80% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.prestonwest.vic.edu.au | www.shpreston.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Preston West Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (75.6 vs 73.7).
- •Preston West Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1135 vs 1090), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sacred Heart School has fewer students per teacher (12.8 vs 15.6).
- •Preston West Primary School is the larger school with 670 students compared with 117.
- •Sacred Heart School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -2%).
- •Preston West Primary School is a government school while Sacred Heart 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 West Primary School better than Sacred Heart School?
On the Success Index, Preston West Primary School ranks higher (75.6 vs 73.7 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 West Primary School and Sacred Heart School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Preston and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Preston West Primary School has 15.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sacred Heart School has 12.8.
How do Preston West Primary School and Sacred Heart School rank in VIC?
Preston West Primary School is 240th of 1,290 and Sacred Heart School is 301st of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.