Altona College vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Altona College
Altona · Government combined · Prep-12
796 students · ICSEA 1044
St Mary's School
Altona · Catholic primary · Prep-6
259 students · ICSEA 1060
| Measure | Altona College Altona VIC | St Mary's School Altona VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #124 of 239 | #588 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #432 of 1,259 | #1662 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 796 | 259 |
| Girls / boys | 370 / 426 | 138 / 121 |
| Foundation intake | 37 | 36 |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 49 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 28 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5.2% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +65% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1044 | 1060 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 72th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 12.5 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.3 | 19.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.3 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Altona 3018 | Altona 3018 |
| Council area | Hobsons Bay | Hobsons Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.altonacollege.vic.edu.au | www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (62.9 vs 61.4).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1060 vs 1044), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Altona College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.1).
- •Altona College is the larger school with 796 students compared with 259.
- •Altona College has grown faster over five years (65% vs -6%).
- •Altona College is a government school while St Mary's 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 Altona
Frequently asked questions
Is Altona College better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (62.9 vs 61.4 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 Altona College and St Mary's School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Altona and Altona in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Altona College has 12.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 13.1.
How do Altona College and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Altona College is 124th of 239 and St Mary's School is 588th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.