Bairnsdale Secondary College vs Colac Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 356 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bairnsdale Secondary College
Bairnsdale · Government high school · 7-12
1,213 students · ICSEA 955
Colac Secondary College
Colac · Government high school · 7-12
476 students · ICSEA 955
| Measure | Bairnsdale Secondary College Bairnsdale VIC | Colac Secondary College Colac VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 44 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #280 of 348 | #248 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #960 of 1,472 | #863 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,213 | 476 |
| Girls / boys | 588 / 625 | 225 / 251 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 256 | 78 |
| Year 12 cohort | 124 | 51 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 27 | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 955 | 955 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 27th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 96.1 | 49.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.3 | 21.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 3% |
| Suburb | Bairnsdale 3875 | Colac 3250 |
| Council area | East Gippsland | Colac Otway |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | bairnsdalesc.vic.edu.au/ | www.colac-sc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Colac Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (43.7 vs 39.7).
- •Colac Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 12.6).
- •Bairnsdale Secondary College is the larger school with 1,213 students compared with 476.
- •Bairnsdale Secondary College has grown faster over five years (9% vs 3%).
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 Secondary College better than Colac Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Colac Secondary College ranks higher (43.7 vs 39.7 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 Bairnsdale Secondary College and Colac Secondary College?
About 356 km in a straight line, between Bairnsdale and Colac in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bairnsdale Secondary College has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Colac Secondary College has 9.5.
How do Bairnsdale Secondary College and Colac Secondary College rank in VIC?
Bairnsdale Secondary College is 280th of 348 and Colac Secondary College is 248th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.