Santa Maria College

Santa Maria College is a private girls' school located in Northcote, in Melbourne's northern suburbs, offering education from Years 7 to 12 with approximately 800 students enrolled. According to 2025 VCAA data, the school has a median score of 32, with 8.60% of students achieving scores above 40. It ranks within the top 100 Victorian private schools for academic performance according to AU Guide.

The school is situated in Northcote, which according to 2021 ABS census data has a total population of 25,276 people, including 916 Chinese residents representing 3.60% of the population - a relatively low proportion. The main ethnic groups include English (34.29%), Australian (27.55%), Irish (16.13%), Scottish (12.50%), and Italian (9.27%). From a community safety perspective, based on September 2025 Crime Statistics Agency data, Northcote has a crime rate of 6,504 per 100,000 people, which is 0.96 times the Victorian average (6,810), making it a relatively safe area.

In terms of the property market, according to Data Vic's first quarter 2025 data, the median house price in the area is approximately $1.7 million, while the median apartment price is around $600,000. For rentals, 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom houses cost approximately $660 and $600 per week respectively, while 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments rent for around $660 and $530 per week respectively. Taking into account academic performance, Chinese population proportion, and community safety, AU Guide gives this school an overall rating of 79.50 points. As a private school, fees are high, and popular schools typically require families to join waiting lists several years in advance, so interested families are advised to contact the school early to understand the specific application process.