Ararat West Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ararat West Primary School
Ararat · Government primary · Prep-6
257 students · ICSEA 984
St Mary's School
Ararat · Catholic primary · Prep-6
121 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | Ararat West Primary School Ararat VIC | St Mary's School Ararat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #930 of 1,290 | #748 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2884 of 4,908 | #2229 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 257 | 121 |
| Girls / boys | 118 / 139 | 59 / 62 |
| Foundation intake | 43 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +19% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 984 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 40th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 36% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.0 | 8.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.1 | 6.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 2% |
| Suburb | Ararat 3377 | Ararat 3377 |
| Council area | Ararat | Ararat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.araratwestps.vic.edu.au | www.smararat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (56.4 vs 47.3).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 984), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ararat West Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.4).
- •Ararat West Primary School is the larger school with 257 students compared with 121.
- •Ararat West Primary School has grown faster over five years (19% vs -23%).
- •Ararat West Primary School 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 South Geelong
Frequently asked questions
Is Ararat West Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (56.4 vs 47.3 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 West Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Ararat and Ararat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ararat West Primary School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 14.4.
How do Ararat West Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Ararat West Primary School is 930th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 748th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.