Daramalan College vs Merici College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Daramalan College
Dickson · Independent high school · 7-12
1,498 students · ICSEA 1127
Merici College
Braddon · Catholic high school · 7-12
992 students · ICSEA 1138
| Measure | Daramalan College Dickson ACT | Merici College Braddon ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 84 Top 5% | 86 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #2 of 27 | #1 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #29 of 1,472 | #10 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,498 | 992 |
| Girls / boys | 659 / 839 | 992 / – |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 255 | 189 |
| Year 12 cohort | 232 | 111 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +8% | +48% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1127 | 1138 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 93th |
| Top SEA quarter | 50% | 55% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 131.2 | 75.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.9 | 27.4 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Dickson 2602 | Braddon 2612 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.daramalan.act.edu.au/ | www.merici.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Merici College scores higher on the Success Index (85.8 vs 83.8).
- •Merici College has the higher ICSEA (1138 vs 1127), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Daramalan College has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.1).
- •Daramalan College is the larger school with 1,498 students compared with 992.
- •Merici College has grown faster over five years (48% vs 8%).
- •Daramalan College is a independent school while Merici College is a catholic 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 Daramalan College better than Merici College?
On the Success Index, Merici College ranks higher (85.8 vs 83.8 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 Daramalan College and Merici College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Dickson and Braddon in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Daramalan College has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merici College has 13.1.
How do Daramalan College and Merici College rank in ACT?
Daramalan College is 2nd of 27 and Merici College is 1st of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.