Merici College vs St John Paul II College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 10 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merici College
Braddon · Catholic high school · 7-12
992 students · ICSEA 1138
St John Paul II College
Nicholls · Catholic high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | Merici College Braddon ACT | St John Paul II College Nicholls ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 86 Top 5% | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 27 | #8 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #10 of 1,472 | #174 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 992 | 880 |
| Girls / boys | 992 / – | 433 / 447 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | 208 |
| Year 12 cohort | 111 | 59 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +48% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1138 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 55% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 75.8 | 75.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.4 | 34.5 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Braddon 2612 | Nicholls 2913 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.merici.act.edu.au | www.jpc.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Merici College scores higher on the Success Index (85.8 vs 74.9).
- •Merici College has the higher ICSEA (1138 vs 1089), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John Paul II College has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.1).
- •Merici College is the larger school with 992 students compared with 880.
- •Merici College has grown faster over five years (48% vs -2%).
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 Merici College better than St John Paul II College?
On the Success Index, Merici College ranks higher (85.8 vs 74.9 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 Merici College and St John Paul II College?
About 10 km in a straight line, between Braddon and Nicholls in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merici College has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John Paul II College has 11.7.
How do Merici College and St John Paul II College rank in ACT?
Merici College is 1st of 27 and St John Paul II College is 8th of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.