Ave Maria College vs Buckley Park College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ave Maria College
Aberfeldie · Catholic high school · 7-12
826 students · ICSEA 1082
Buckley Park College
Essendon · Government high school · 7-12
888 students · ICSEA 1088
| Measure | Ave Maria College Aberfeldie VIC | Buckley Park College Essendon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #94 of 348 | #92 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #242 of 1,472 | #238 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 826 | 888 |
| Girls / boys | 826 / 0 | 388 / 500 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 163 | 195 |
| Year 12 cohort | 125 | 163 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 30 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 8.3% | 7.3% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | 0% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1088 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 65.5 | 74.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.1 | 25.9 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Aberfeldie 3040 | Essendon 3040 |
| Council area | Moonee Valley | Moonee Valley |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.avemaria.vic.edu.au | www.buckleyparkco.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (71.7 vs 71.9).
- •Buckley Park College has the higher ICSEA (1088 vs 1082), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Buckley Park College has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 12.6).
- •Buckley Park College is the larger school with 888 students compared with 826.
- •Ave Maria College has grown faster over five years (0% vs -11%).
- •Ave Maria College is a catholic school while Buckley Park College is a government 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 Ave Maria College better than Buckley Park College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Ave Maria College and Buckley Park College?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Aberfeldie and Essendon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ave Maria College has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Buckley Park College has 12.0.
How do Ave Maria College and Buckley Park College rank in VIC?
Ave Maria College is 94th of 348 and Buckley Park College is 92nd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.