Ave Maria College vs St Columba's 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.
Ave Maria College
Aberfeldie · Catholic high school · 7-12
826 students · ICSEA 1082
St Columba's College
Essendon · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,047 students · ICSEA 1107
| Measure | Ave Maria College Aberfeldie VIC | St Columba's College Essendon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #94 of 348 | #77 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #242 of 1,472 | #183 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 826 | 1,047 |
| Girls / boys | 826 / 0 | 1,047 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 163 | 172 |
| Year 12 cohort | 125 | 172 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 32 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 8.3% | 8.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | 0% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1082 | 1107 |
| ICSEA percentile | 79th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 41% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 65.5 | 78.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.1 | 47.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Aberfeldie 3040 | Essendon 3040 |
| Council area | Moonee Valley | Moonee Valley |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.avemaria.vic.edu.au | www.columba.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba's College scores higher on the Success Index (74.2 vs 71.7).
- •St Columba's College has the higher ICSEA (1107 vs 1082), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ave Maria College has fewer students per teacher (12.6 vs 13.4).
- •St Columba's College is the larger school with 1,047 students compared with 826.
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 St Columba's College?
On the Success Index, St Columba's College ranks higher (74.2 vs 71.7 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 Ave Maria College and St Columba's College?
About 1.4 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 St Columba's College has 13.4.
How do Ave Maria College and St Columba's College rank in VIC?
Ave Maria College is 94th of 348 and St Columba's College is 77th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.