Balwyn High School vs Kew High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balwyn High School
Balwyn North · Government high school · 7-12
2,260 students · ICSEA 1141
Kew High School
Kew East · Government high school · 7-12
1,015 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Balwyn High School Balwyn North VIC | Kew High School Kew East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 85 Top 5% | 76 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 348 | #62 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #18 of 1,472 | #135 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 2,260 | 1,015 |
| Girls / boys | 979 / 1,281 | 402 / 613 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 366 | 142 |
| Year 12 cohort | 413 | 195 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 33 | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 19.2% | 10.3% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 56% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 185.2 | 77.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 54.6 | 24.7 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balwyn North 3104 | Kew East 3102 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Boroondara |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au | www.kew.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Balwyn High School scores higher on the Success Index (84.8 vs 76.0).
- •Balwyn High School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balwyn High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 13.1).
- •Balwyn High School is the larger school with 2,260 students compared with 1,015.
- •Balwyn High School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -10%).
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 Balwyn High School better than Kew High School?
On the Success Index, Balwyn High School ranks higher (84.8 vs 76.0 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 Balwyn High School and Kew High School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Balwyn North and Kew East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balwyn High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kew High School has 13.1.
How do Balwyn High School and Kew High School rank in VIC?
Balwyn High School is 6th of 348 and Kew High School is 62nd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.