Farrer Primary School vs Melrose High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Farrer Primary School
Farrer · Government primary · K-6
252 students · ICSEA 1098
Melrose High School
Pearce · Government high school · 7-10
776 students · ICSEA 1079
| Measure | Farrer Primary School Farrer ACT | Melrose High School Pearce ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #41 of 80 | #21 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #987 of 4,908 | #340 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-10 |
| Students | 252 | 776 |
| Girls / boys | 109 / 143 | 376 / 400 |
| Foundation intake | 37 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 196 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -28% | -5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1098 | 1079 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.4 | 57.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 23.6 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Farrer 2607 | Pearce 2607 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.farrerps.act.edu.au | www.melrosehs.act.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Farrer Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (70.3 vs 67.6).
- •Farrer Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1098 vs 1079), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Farrer Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 13.6).
- •Melrose High School is the larger school with 776 students compared with 252.
- •Melrose High School has grown faster over five years (-5% vs -28%).
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 Farrer Primary School better than Melrose High School?
On the Success Index, Farrer Primary School ranks higher (70.3 vs 67.6 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 Farrer Primary School and Melrose High School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Farrer and Pearce in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Farrer Primary School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Melrose High School has 13.6.
How do Farrer Primary School and Melrose High School rank in ACT?
Farrer Primary School is 41st of 80 and Melrose High School is 21st of 27 among primary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.