Balwyn High School vs St Bede's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 706 m 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
St Bede's School
Balwyn North · Catholic primary · Prep-6
264 students · ICSEA 1133
| Measure | Balwyn High School Balwyn North VIC | St Bede's School Balwyn North VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 85 Top 5% | 79 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 348 | #148 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #18 of 1,472 | #270 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,260 | 264 |
| Girls / boys | 979 / 1,281 | 121 / 143 |
| Foundation intake | – | 40 |
| Year 7 cohort | 366 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 413 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 33 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 19.2% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1133 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 56% | 55% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 185.2 | 19.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 54.6 | 10.7 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balwyn North 3104 | Balwyn North 3104 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Boroondara |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au | www.sbedesbn.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Balwyn High School scores higher on the Success Index (84.8 vs 78.8).
- •Balwyn High School has the higher ICSEA (1141 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balwyn High School has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 13.7).
- •Balwyn High School is the larger school with 2,260 students compared with 264.
- •Balwyn High School is a government school while St Bede'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 Balwyn High School better than St Bede's School?
On the Success Index, Balwyn High School ranks higher (84.8 vs 78.8 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 St Bede's School?
About 706 m in a straight line, between Balwyn North and Balwyn North in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balwyn High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Bede's School has 13.7.
How do Balwyn High School and St Bede's School rank in VIC?
Balwyn High School is 6th of 348 and St Bede's School is 148th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.