Barwon Valley School vs Christian College Geelong
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barwon Valley School
Belmont · Government special · U
161 students · ICSEA 1004
Christian College Geelong
Highton · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,908 students · ICSEA 1098
| Measure | Barwon Valley School Belmont VIC | Christian College Geelong Highton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #61 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | – | #178 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Special | Combined |
| Year range | U | Prep-12 |
| Students | 161 | 1,908 |
| Girls / boys | 53 / 108 | 902 / 1,006 |
| Foundation intake | – | 124 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 168 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 159 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +89% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1004 | 1098 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 4.1 | 9.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 39.2 | 209.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.9 | 119.3 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 1% |
| Suburb | Belmont 3216 | Highton 3216 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.barwonss.vic.edu.au | www.christiancollege.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Christian College Geelong has the higher ICSEA (1098 vs 1004), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Barwon Valley School has fewer students per teacher (4.1 vs 9.1).
- •Christian College Geelong is the larger school with 1,908 students compared with 161.
- •Christian College Geelong has grown faster over five years (89% vs -17%).
- •Barwon Valley School is a government school while Christian College Geelong 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 Barwon Valley School better than Christian College Geelong?
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 Barwon Valley School and Christian College Geelong?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Belmont and Highton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barwon Valley School has 4.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Christian College Geelong has 9.1.
How do Barwon Valley School and Christian College Geelong rank in VIC?
Barwon Valley School is unranked and Christian College Geelong is 61st of 239 among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.