Balwyn Primary School vs St Paul's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 491 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balwyn Primary School
Balwyn · Government primary · Prep-6
574 students · ICSEA 1171
St Paul's College
Balwyn · Independent special · U
50 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Balwyn Primary School Balwyn VIC | St Paul's College Balwyn VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 5% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #194 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Special |
| Year range | Prep-6 | U |
| Students | 574 | 50 |
| Girls / boys | 248 / 326 | 15 / 35 |
| Foundation intake | 45 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1171 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 69% | 37% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 15.6 | 4.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 36.9 | 11.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.7 | 21.0 |
| Language background other than English | 85% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Balwyn 3103 | Balwyn 3101 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Boroondara |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balwynps.vic.edu.au/ | vmch.com.au/services/st-pauls-college/ |
The verdict
- •Balwyn Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1171 vs 1090), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Paul's College has fewer students per teacher (4.4 vs 15.6).
- •Balwyn Primary School is the larger school with 574 students compared with 50.
- •Balwyn Primary School is a government school while St Paul's College is an independent 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 Primary School better than St Paul's College?
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 Primary School and St Paul's College?
About 491 m in a straight line, between Balwyn and Balwyn in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balwyn Primary School has 15.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Paul's College has 4.4.
How do Balwyn Primary School and St Paul's College rank in VIC?
Balwyn Primary School is 109th of 1,290 and St Paul's College is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.