Sacred Heart School vs St Columba's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 103 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sacred Heart School
Preston · Catholic primary · Prep-6
117 students · ICSEA 1090
St Columba's School
Ballarat North · Catholic primary · Prep-6
334 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Sacred Heart School Preston VIC | St Columba's School Ballarat North VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #301 of 1,290 | #420 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #661 of 4,908 | #1051 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 117 | 334 |
| Girls / boys | 59 / 58 | 161 / 173 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1090 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.8 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.1 | 22.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.1 | 11.4 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Ballarat North 3350 |
| Council area | Darebin | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.shpreston.catholic.edu.au | www.scballarat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sacred Heart School scores higher on the Success Index (73.7 vs 69.6).
- •Sacred Heart School has fewer students per teacher (12.8 vs 15.0).
- •St Columba's School is the larger school with 334 students compared with 117.
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 Sacred Heart School better than St Columba's School?
On the Success Index, Sacred Heart School ranks higher (73.7 vs 69.6 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 Sacred Heart School and St Columba's School?
About 103 km in a straight line, between Preston and Ballarat North in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sacred Heart School has 12.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's School has 15.0.
How do Sacred Heart School and St Columba's School rank in VIC?
Sacred Heart School is 301st of 1,290 and St Columba's School is 420th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.