Ballarat Grammar vs Ballarat High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballarat Grammar
Wendouree · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,989 students · ICSEA 1120
Ballarat High School
Lake Gardens · Government high school · 7-12
1,461 students · ICSEA 1016
| Measure | Ballarat Grammar Wendouree VIC | Ballarat High School Lake Gardens VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #84 of 239 | #189 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #270 of 1,259 | #639 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,989 | 1,461 |
| Girls / boys | 1,023 / 966 | 762 / 699 |
| Foundation intake | 73 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 239 | 279 |
| Year 12 cohort | 206 | 172 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 32 | 30 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 10.2% | 3.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +24% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 1016 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 54th |
| Top SEA quarter | 48% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 181.5 | 115.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 85.9 | 44.8 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Wendouree 3355 | Lake Gardens 3350 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.bgs.vic.edu.au | www.ballaraths.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Ballarat Grammar scores higher on the Success Index (69.5 vs 54.6).
- •Ballarat Grammar has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1016), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballarat Grammar has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.7).
- •Ballarat Grammar is the larger school with 1,989 students compared with 1,461.
- •Ballarat Grammar has grown faster over five years (24% vs 3%).
- •Ballarat Grammar is a independent school while Ballarat High School 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 Ballarat Grammar better than Ballarat High School?
On the Success Index, Ballarat Grammar ranks higher (69.5 vs 54.6 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 Grammar and Ballarat High School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Wendouree and Lake Gardens in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballarat Grammar has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Ballarat High School has 12.7.
How do Ballarat Grammar and Ballarat High School rank in VIC?
Ballarat Grammar is 84th of 239 and Ballarat High School is 189th of 348 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.