Ballarat High School vs Loreto College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 585 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ballarat High School
Lake Gardens · Government high school · 7-12
1,461 students · ICSEA 1016
Loreto College
Ballarat · Catholic high school · 7-12
948 students · ICSEA 1073
| Measure | Ballarat High School Lake Gardens VIC | Loreto College Ballarat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #189 of 348 | #104 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #639 of 1,472 | #288 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,461 | 948 |
| Girls / boys | 762 / 699 | 948 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 279 | 183 |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | 136 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 30 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.6% | 4.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1016 | 1073 |
| ICSEA percentile | 54th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 27% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 115.4 | 85.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 44.8 | 54.3 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Lake Gardens 3350 | Ballarat 3350 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ballaraths.vic.edu.au | www.loreto.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Loreto College scores higher on the Success Index (70.1 vs 54.6).
- •Loreto College has the higher ICSEA (1073 vs 1016), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Loreto College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 12.7).
- •Ballarat High School is the larger school with 1,461 students compared with 948.
- •Ballarat High School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -3%).
- •Ballarat High School is a government school while Loreto College 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 High School better than Loreto College?
On the Success Index, Loreto College ranks higher (70.1 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 High School and Loreto College?
About 585 m in a straight line, between Lake Gardens and Ballarat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballarat High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Loreto College has 11.1.
How do Ballarat High School and Loreto College rank in VIC?
Ballarat High School is 189th of 348 and Loreto College is 104th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.