Melba Copland Secondary School vs St John the Apostle Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Melba Copland Secondary School
Melba · Government high school · 7-12
953 students · ICSEA 1041
St John the Apostle Primary School
Florey · Catholic primary · K-6
368 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Melba Copland Secondary School Melba ACT | St John the Apostle Primary School Florey ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #12 of 27 | #50 of 80 |
| National rank (type) | #206 of 1,472 | #1252 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 953 | 368 |
| Girls / boys | 436 / 517 | 179 / 189 |
| Foundation intake | – | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | 159 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 107 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +28% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1041 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 30% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 17.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 84.5 | 21.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.3 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Melba 2615 | Florey 2615 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | – | www.sjaps.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Melba Copland Secondary School scores higher on the Success Index (73.1 vs 67.5).
- •St John the Apostle Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1041), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Melba Copland Secondary School has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 17.5).
- •Melba Copland Secondary School is the larger school with 953 students compared with 368.
- •Melba Copland Secondary School has grown faster over five years (28% vs 2%).
- •Melba Copland Secondary School is a government school while St John the Apostle Primary School 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is Melba Copland Secondary School better than St John the Apostle Primary School?
On the Success Index, Melba Copland Secondary School ranks higher (73.1 vs 67.5 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 Melba Copland Secondary School and St John the Apostle Primary School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Melba and Florey in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Melba Copland Secondary School has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John the Apostle Primary School has 17.5.
How do Melba Copland Secondary School and St John the Apostle Primary School rank in ACT?
Melba Copland Secondary School is 12th of 27 and St John the Apostle Primary School is 50th of 80 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.