Barwon Heads Primary School vs Surfside Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 5.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barwon Heads Primary School
Barwon Heads · Government primary · Prep-6
416 students · ICSEA 1120
Surfside Primary School
Ocean Grove · Government primary · Prep-6
545 students · ICSEA 1075
| Measure | Barwon Heads Primary School Barwon Heads VIC | Surfside Primary School Ocean Grove VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #166 of 1,290 | #389 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #317 of 4,908 | #961 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 416 | 545 |
| Girls / boys | 224 / 192 | 257 / 288 |
| Foundation intake | 48 | 63 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1120 | 1075 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 48% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 32.8 | 37.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 14.2 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Barwon Heads 3227 | Ocean Grove 3226 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | bhps.education/ | www.surfsideps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Barwon Heads Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (78.1 vs 70.7).
- •Barwon Heads Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1120 vs 1075), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Barwon Heads Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.6).
- •Surfside Primary School is the larger school with 545 students compared with 416.
- •Surfside Primary School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -19%).
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 Barwon Heads Primary School better than Surfside Primary School?
On the Success Index, Barwon Heads Primary School ranks higher (78.1 vs 70.7 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 Barwon Heads Primary School and Surfside Primary School?
About 5.2 km in a straight line, between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barwon Heads Primary School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Surfside Primary School has 14.6.
How do Barwon Heads Primary School and Surfside Primary School rank in VIC?
Barwon Heads Primary School is 166th of 1,290 and Surfside Primary School is 389th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.