St Joseph's School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 9.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Joseph's School
Northcote · Catholic primary · Prep-6
190 students · ICSEA 1110
St Mary's School
St Kilda East · Catholic primary · Prep-6
135 students · ICSEA 1111
| Measure | St Joseph's School Northcote VIC | St Mary's School St Kilda East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 5% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #88 of 1,290 | #378 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #147 of 4,908 | #913 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 190 | 135 |
| Girls / boys | 89 / 101 | 71 / 64 |
| Foundation intake | 31 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +44% | -44% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1111 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 41% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.2 | 9.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Northcote 3070 | St Kilda East 3183 |
| Council area | Darebin | Port Phillip |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sjnorthcote.catholic.edu.au | www.smstkildaeast.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (81.1 vs 71.1).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1111 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 13.6).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 190 students compared with 135.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (44% vs -44%).
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 Joseph's School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (81.1 vs 71.1 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 Joseph's School and St Mary's School?
About 9.4 km in a straight line, between Northcote and St Kilda East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Joseph's School has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 13.6.
How do St Joseph's School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
St Joseph's School is 88th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 378th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.