River Nile School vs University High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 901 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
River Nile School
North Melbourne · Independent special · 11-12
121 students · ICSEA 820
University High School
Parkville · Government high school · 7-12
1,983 students · ICSEA 1117
| Measure | River Nile School North Melbourne VIC | University High School Parkville VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | – | #44 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #98 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Special | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 121 | 1,983 |
| Girls / boys | 121 / 0 | 916 / 1,067 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 340 |
| Year 12 cohort | 30 | 348 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 7.8% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 820 | 1117 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 50% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 88% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 8.6 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 163.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.4 | 51.1 |
| Language background other than English | 99% | 68% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | North Melbourne 3051 | Parkville 3052 |
| Council area | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.rivernileschool.vic.edu.au/ | www.unihigh.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •University High School has the higher ICSEA (1117 vs 820), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •River Nile School has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 12.2).
- •University High School is the larger school with 1,983 students compared with 121.
- •River Nile School is a independent school while University High School is a government 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 River Nile School better than University High School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are River Nile School and University High School?
About 901 m in a straight line, between North Melbourne and Parkville in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
River Nile School has 8.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and University High School has 12.2.
How do River Nile School and University High School rank in VIC?
River Nile School is unranked and University High School is 44th of 348 among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.