Don College vs St Brendan-Shaw College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Tasmania, 757 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Don College
Devonport · Government high school · 11-12
672 students · ICSEA 959
St Brendan-Shaw College
Devonport · Catholic high school · 7-12
566 students · ICSEA 1014
| Measure | Don College Devonport TAS | St Brendan-Shaw College Devonport TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #19 of 42 | #4 of 42 |
| National rank (type) | #979 of 1,472 | #472 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 11-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 672 | 566 |
| Girls / boys | 366 / 306 | 305 / 261 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 99 |
| Year 12 cohort | 297 | 66 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -12% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 959 | 1014 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 53th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 11.9 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 54.3 | 54.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.7 | 32.2 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 14% |
| Suburb | Devonport 7310 | Devonport 7310 |
| Council area | Devonport | Devonport |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | doncollege.education.tas.edu.au/ | www.sbsc.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Brendan-Shaw College scores higher on the Success Index (61.8 vs 39.0).
- •St Brendan-Shaw College has the higher ICSEA (1014 vs 959), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Brendan-Shaw College has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 11.9).
- •Don College is the larger school with 672 students compared with 566.
- •St Brendan-Shaw College has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -12%).
- •Don College is a government school while St Brendan-Shaw 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 Don College better than St Brendan-Shaw College?
On the Success Index, St Brendan-Shaw College ranks higher (61.8 vs 39.0 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 Don College and St Brendan-Shaw College?
About 757 m in a straight line, between Devonport and Devonport in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Don College has 11.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Brendan-Shaw College has 10.4.
How do Don College and St Brendan-Shaw College rank in TAS?
Don College is 19th of 42 and St Brendan-Shaw College is 4th of 42 among secondary schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.