Balwyn High School vs Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 10 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
Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School
Southbank · Government high school · 7-12
344 students · ICSEA 1141
| Measure | Balwyn High School Balwyn North VIC | Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School Southbank VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 85 Top 5% | 84 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #6 of 348 | #12 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #18 of 1,472 | #27 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 2,260 | 344 |
| Girls / boys | 979 / 1,281 | 220 / 124 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 366 | 24 |
| Year 12 cohort | 413 | 111 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 33 | 33 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 19.2% | 12.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1141 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 56% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 185.2 | 37.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 54.6 | 28.8 |
| Language background other than English | 80% | 33% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balwyn North 3104 | Southbank 3006 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balwynhs.vic.edu.au | www.vcass.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (84.8 vs 84.1).
- •Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 12.2).
- •Balwyn High School is the larger school with 2,260 students compared with 344.
- •Balwyn High School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -14%).
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 Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Balwyn High School and Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School?
About 10 km in a straight line, between Balwyn North and Southbank in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balwyn High School has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School has 9.0.
How do Balwyn High School and Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School rank in VIC?
Balwyn High School is 6th of 348 and Victorian College Of The Arts Secondary School is 12th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.