Ararat Secondary College vs Marian College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ararat Secondary College
Ararat · Government high school · 7-12
332 students · ICSEA 940
Marian College
Ararat · Catholic high school · 7-12
369 students · ICSEA 1017
| Measure | Ararat Secondary College Ararat VIC | Marian College Ararat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #300 of 348 | #190 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1026 of 1,472 | #646 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 332 | 369 |
| Girls / boys | 171 / 161 | 194 / 175 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 71 | 71 |
| Year 12 cohort | 41 | 52 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 25 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 0% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 940 | 1017 |
| ICSEA percentile | 21th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 9.8 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.6 | 33.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.5 | 21.3 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 3% |
| Suburb | Ararat 3377 | Ararat 3377 |
| Council area | Ararat | Ararat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.araratcc.vic.edu.au | www.mcararat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Marian College scores higher on the Success Index (54.4 vs 36.8).
- •Marian College has the higher ICSEA (1017 vs 940), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ararat Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 10.9).
- •Marian College is the larger school with 369 students compared with 332.
- •Ararat Secondary College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -19%).
- •Ararat Secondary College is a government school while Marian 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 Ararat Secondary College better than Marian College?
On the Success Index, Marian College ranks higher (54.4 vs 36.8 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 Secondary College and Marian College?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Ararat and Ararat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ararat Secondary College has 9.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Marian College has 10.9.
How do Ararat Secondary College and Marian College rank in VIC?
Ararat Secondary College is 300th of 348 and Marian College is 190th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.