Ballarat Clarendon College vs St Patrick's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballarat Clarendon College
Ballarat · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,896 students · ICSEA 1172
St Patrick's School
Ballarat · Catholic primary · Prep-6
249 students · ICSEA 1096
| Measure | Ballarat Clarendon College Ballarat VIC | St Patrick's School Ballarat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 10% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #50 of 239 | #400 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #130 of 1,259 | #1000 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,896 | 249 |
| Girls / boys | 918 / 978 | 124 / 125 |
| Foundation intake | 88 | 42 |
| Year 7 cohort | 176 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 194 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 37 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 35% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +25% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1172 | 1096 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 83th |
| Top SEA quarter | 68% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 1% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 16.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 144.3 | 15.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 62.5 | 7.9 |
| Language background other than English | 46% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Ballarat 3350 | Ballarat 3350 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.clarendon.vic.edu.au | www.spballarat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Ballarat Clarendon College scores higher on the Success Index (78.6 vs 70.2).
- •Ballarat Clarendon College has the higher ICSEA (1172 vs 1096), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballarat Clarendon College has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 16.1).
- •Ballarat Clarendon College is the larger school with 1,896 students compared with 249.
- •Ballarat Clarendon College has grown faster over five years (25% vs -1%).
- •Ballarat Clarendon College is a independent school while St Patrick'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 Ballarat Clarendon College better than St Patrick's School?
On the Success Index, Ballarat Clarendon College ranks higher (78.6 vs 70.2 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 Ballarat Clarendon College and St Patrick's School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Ballarat and Ballarat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballarat Clarendon College has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's School has 16.1.
How do Ballarat Clarendon College and St Patrick's School rank in VIC?
Ballarat Clarendon College is 50th of 239 and St Patrick's School is 400th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.