Ballarat High School vs Lucas Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 3.4 km 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
Lucas Primary School
Lucas · Government primary · Prep-6
527 students · ICSEA 1029
| Measure | Ballarat High School Lake Gardens VIC | Lucas Primary School Lucas VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 55 Top 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #189 of 348 | #587 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #639 of 1,472 | #1658 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,461 | 527 |
| Girls / boys | 762 / 699 | 250 / 277 |
| Foundation intake | – | 74 |
| Year 7 cohort | 279 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 172 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 30 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | +567% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1016 | 1029 |
| ICSEA percentile | 54th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 13.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 115.4 | 39.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 44.8 | 20.3 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Lake Gardens 3350 | Lucas 3350 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.ballaraths.vic.edu.au | www.lucasps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Lucas Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (62.9 vs 54.6).
- •Lucas Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1029 vs 1016), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ballarat High School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 13.3).
- •Ballarat High School is the larger school with 1,461 students compared with 527.
- •Lucas Primary School has grown faster over five years (567% vs 3%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Wyndham Vale
Frequently asked questions
Is Ballarat High School better than Lucas Primary School?
On the Success Index, Lucas Primary School ranks higher (62.9 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 Lucas Primary School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Lake Gardens and Lucas in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ballarat High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lucas Primary School has 13.3.
How do Ballarat High School and Lucas Primary School rank in VIC?
Ballarat High School is 189th of 348 and Lucas Primary School is 587th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.