Ararat North Primary School vs Lightning Reef Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 132 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ararat North Primary School
Ararat · Government primary · Prep-6
49 students · ICSEA 862
Lightning Reef Primary School
Bendigo · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 858
| Measure | Ararat North Primary School Ararat VIC | Lightning Reef Primary School Bendigo VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #1266 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | – | #4440 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 49 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 22 / 27 | 74 / 91 |
| Foundation intake | 6 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 862 | 858 |
| ICSEA percentile | 6th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 86% | 79% |
| Students per teacher | 9.4 | 8.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 5.2 | 18.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.2 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 43% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 12% |
| Suburb | Ararat 3377 | Bendigo 3550 |
| Council area | Ararat | Greater Bendigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.anps.vic.edu.au | www.lightningreefps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Lightning Reef Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (25.9 vs 20.7).
- •Ararat North Primary School has the higher ICSEA (862 vs 858), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lightning Reef Primary School has fewer students per teacher (8.9 vs 9.4).
- •Lightning Reef Primary School is the larger school with 165 students compared with 49.
- •Ararat North Primary School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -8%).
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 Ararat North Primary School better than Lightning Reef Primary School?
On the Success Index, Lightning Reef Primary School ranks higher (25.9 vs 20.7 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 Ararat North Primary School and Lightning Reef Primary School?
About 132 km in a straight line, between Ararat and Bendigo in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ararat North Primary School has 9.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lightning Reef Primary School has 8.9.
How do Ararat North Primary School and Lightning Reef Primary School rank in VIC?
Ararat North Primary School is unranked and Lightning Reef Primary School is 1266th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.