Sacred Heart School vs St John's College Preston
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 404 m 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 John's College Preston
Preston · Independent combined · Prep-12
345 students · ICSEA 1066
| Measure | Sacred Heart School Preston VIC | St John's College Preston Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #301 of 1,290 | #83 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #661 of 4,908 | #268 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 117 | 345 |
| Girls / boys | 59 / 58 | 161 / 184 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 41 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 20 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | +35% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1090 | 1066 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 37% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 12.8 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.1 | 40.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.1 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 32% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.shpreston.catholic.edu.au | www.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sacred Heart School scores higher on the Success Index (73.7 vs 69.7).
- •Sacred Heart School has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 1066), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John's College Preston has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 12.8).
- •St John's College Preston is the larger school with 345 students compared with 117.
- •St John's College Preston has grown faster over five years (35% vs 6%).
- •Sacred Heart School is a catholic school while St John's College Preston is an independent 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Docklands
Frequently asked questions
Is Sacred Heart School better than St John's College Preston?
On the Success Index, Sacred Heart School ranks higher (73.7 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 Sacred Heart School and St John's College Preston?
About 404 m in a straight line, between Preston and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sacred Heart School has 12.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's College Preston has 8.6.
How do Sacred Heart School and St John's College Preston rank in VIC?
Sacred Heart School is 301st of 1,290 and St John's College Preston is 83rd of 239 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.