Santa Maria College vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 694 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Santa Maria College
Northcote · Catholic high school · 7-12
779 students · ICSEA 1110
St Joseph's School
Northcote · Catholic primary · Prep-6
190 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Santa Maria College Northcote VIC | St Joseph's School Northcote VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 5% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #27 of 348 | #88 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #59 of 1,472 | #147 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 779 | 190 |
| Girls / boys | 779 / 0 | 89 / 101 |
| Foundation intake | – | 31 |
| Year 7 cohort | 141 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 136 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 32 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 8.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | +44% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 43% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 11.3 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.2 | 17.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.5 | 6.0 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Northcote 3070 | Northcote 3070 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.santamaria.vic.edu.au | www.sjnorthcote.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (80.8 vs 81.1).
- •Santa Maria College is the larger school with 779 students compared with 190.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (44% vs -12%).
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 Santa Maria College better than St Joseph's 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 Santa Maria College and St Joseph's School?
About 694 m in a straight line, between Northcote and Northcote in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Santa Maria College has 11.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 11.0.
How do Santa Maria College and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Santa Maria College is 27th of 348 and St Joseph's School is 88th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.