Beaconhills College vs Lakeside College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Beaconhills College
Pakenham · Independent combined · Prep-12
2,965 students · ICSEA 1035
Lakeside College
Pakenham · Independent combined · Prep-12
647 students · ICSEA 1034
| Measure | Beaconhills College Pakenham VIC | Lakeside College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #175 of 239 | #148 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #798 of 1,259 | #604 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 2,965 | 647 |
| Girls / boys | 1,453 / 1,512 | 353 / 294 |
| Foundation intake | 154 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 310 | 74 |
| Year 12 cohort | 277 | 38 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 7.1% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +59% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 1034 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 233.9 | 50.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 136.0 | 17.7 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ | www.lakeside.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Lakeside College scores higher on the Success Index (52.3 vs 43.5).
- •Beaconhills College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 1034), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Beaconhills College is the larger school with 2,965 students compared with 647.
- •Lakeside College has grown faster over five years (59% vs 4%).
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 Beaconhills College better than Lakeside College?
On the Success Index, Lakeside College ranks higher (52.3 vs 43.5 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 Beaconhills College and Lakeside College?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Beaconhills College has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lakeside College has 12.9.
How do Beaconhills College and Lakeside College rank in VIC?
Beaconhills College is 175th of 239 and Lakeside College is 148th of 239 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.