Bairnsdale Christian College vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 640 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bairnsdale Christian College
Bairnsdale · Independent combined · Prep-10
82 students · ICSEA 1010
St Mary's School
Bairnsdale · Catholic primary · Prep-6
473 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Bairnsdale Christian College Bairnsdale VIC | St Mary's School Bairnsdale VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #169 of 239 | #911 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #754 of 1,259 | #2811 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 82 | 473 |
| Girls / boys | 41 / 41 | 217 / 256 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | 68 |
| Year 7 cohort | 12 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +39% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1010 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 17.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 7.4 | 26.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.0 | 16.8 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Bairnsdale 3875 | Bairnsdale 3875 |
| Council area | East Gippsland | East Gippsland |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.bccs.vic.edu.au | www.stmbairns.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (48.4 vs 45.4).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 1010), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bairnsdale Christian College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 17.6).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 473 students compared with 82.
- •Bairnsdale Christian College has grown faster over five years (39% vs 9%).
- •Bairnsdale Christian College is a independent 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bairnsdale Christian College better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (48.4 vs 45.4 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 Bairnsdale Christian College and St Mary's School?
About 640 m in a straight line, between Bairnsdale and Bairnsdale in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bairnsdale Christian College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 17.6.
How do Bairnsdale Christian College and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Bairnsdale Christian College is 169th of 239 and St Mary's School is 911th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.