Balcombe Grammar School vs Dromana Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 7.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balcombe Grammar School
Mount Martha · Independent combined · Prep-12
954 students · ICSEA 1096
Dromana Secondary College
Dromana · Government high school · 7-12
1,752 students · ICSEA 1018
| Measure | Balcombe Grammar School Mount Martha VIC | Dromana Secondary College Dromana VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #120 of 239 | #210 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #413 of 1,259 | #719 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 954 | 1,752 |
| Girls / boys | 480 / 474 | 862 / 890 |
| Foundation intake | 50 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 104 | 280 |
| Year 12 cohort | 92 | 270 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 32 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 9.6% | 8.8% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1096 | 1018 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 34% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 75.5 | 138.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 42.9 | 34.2 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Mount Martha 3934 | Dromana 3936 |
| Council area | Mornington Peninsula | Mornington Peninsula |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au | www.dsc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Balcombe Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (62.5 vs 51.1).
- •Balcombe Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1096 vs 1018), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dromana Secondary College is the larger school with 1,752 students compared with 954.
- •Balcombe Grammar School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -2%).
- •Balcombe Grammar School is a independent school while Dromana Secondary 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 Balcombe Grammar School better than Dromana Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Balcombe Grammar School ranks higher (62.5 vs 51.1 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 Balcombe Grammar School and Dromana Secondary College?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Mount Martha and Dromana in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balcombe Grammar School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dromana Secondary College has 12.7.
How do Balcombe Grammar School and Dromana Secondary College rank in VIC?
Balcombe Grammar School is 120th of 239 and Dromana Secondary College is 210th of 348 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.