St John's College Preston vs Thornbury Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St John's College Preston
Preston · Independent combined · Prep-12
345 students · ICSEA 1066
Thornbury Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
308 students · ICSEA 1093
| Measure | St John's College Preston Preston VIC | Thornbury Primary School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #83 of 239 | #303 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #268 of 1,259 | #665 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 345 | 308 |
| Girls / boys | 161 / 184 | 148 / 160 |
| Foundation intake | 35 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | 41 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 20 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +35% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1066 | 1093 |
| ICSEA percentile | 74th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 8.6 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 40.3 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 8.1 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 11% |
| Suburb | Preston 3072 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stjohnspreston.vic.edu.au | www.thornburyps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thornbury Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (73.7 vs 69.7).
- •Thornbury Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1093 vs 1066), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John's College Preston has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 13.9).
- •St John's College Preston is the larger school with 345 students compared with 308.
- •St John's College Preston has grown faster over five years (35% vs -19%).
- •St John's College Preston is a independent school while Thornbury Primary 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 St John's College Preston better than Thornbury Primary School?
On the Success Index, Thornbury Primary 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 St John's College Preston and Thornbury Primary School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Preston and Thornbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St John's College Preston has 8.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thornbury Primary School has 13.9.
How do St John's College Preston and Thornbury Primary School rank in VIC?
St John's College Preston is 83rd of 239 and Thornbury Primary School is 303rd of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.