Northcote High School is a government secondary college with a structured approach and strong sense of community.
NAPLAN averaging 38 points above national year-level averages and a median ATAR of 73.0; the result is a B+ overall.
Northcote High School is a government secondary college with a structured approach and strong sense of community. The school offers an International Student Program with dedicated English language support, alongside vocational education options and the selective Enhancement Program ACE for gifted learners. It has established music and debating programs, and families appreciate the traditional, well-organised environment. Students benefit from the John Cain Library and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Northcote suits families wanting a fairly conventional secondary experience with some specialist pathways and accessible support structures in place.
Northcote High School is also known as Northcote HS and NHS Northcote.
Median ATAR 73.0 ranks #107 of 522 Victoria schools. Within Victoria Government schools, ranks #24 of 295.
Northcote High School draws students from the Northcote High School (and 1 more zone).
Northcote High School has an overall SchoolRank score of 64.2/100, rated "Good". This score is calculated from academic results, student growth, wellbeing, programs, and value for money. Academically, the school grades B+ (Good) against other Australian schools. The school's ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is 1153 (96th percentile; the national average is 1,000).
In 2025 NAPLAN testing at Northcote High School, Year 7 students averaged 578 across the tested NAPLAN domains, above the national average of 540 for that year level, and Year 9 students averaged 606, above the national average of 569 for that year level. Relative to national year-level averages, the school's strongest domain is Reading. National averages are specific to each year level, because NAPLAN scores are scaled so older year levels score higher. A school-wide average can't be compared with a single national figure.
Northcote High School is a large government secondary school with approximately 1,668 students. It offers education for years 7-12. As a government school, enrolment is generally available to students living within the school's designated catchment zone. Families outside the zone may apply for out-of-area placement subject to availability.
Northcote High School is a government school, so there are no tuition fees. Families may be asked to contribute to voluntary school fees covering materials, excursions, and activities. The school grades A− (Excellent) for value for money, which weighs academic results against the cost of attendance.
Northcote High School has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.5:1. This is below the national average of approximately 14:1, meaning students generally receive more individual attention. Support staff make up 22% of the workforce, providing additional learning assistance and pastoral care. The student attendance rate is 89%, which is good.
Northcote High School has a median ATAR of 73.0.
Northcote High School is located in Northcote, VIC, in a major city. Its ICSEA is 1153 (96th percentile; the national average is 1,000). ICSEA measures the advantage of a school's community, from its parents' education and occupation, not the school's quality. A school with a lower ICSEA and strong academic results may be teaching particularly effectively.