Beaconhills College vs Pakenham Hills Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.5 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
Pakenham Hills Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
499 students · ICSEA 978
| Measure | Beaconhills College Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Hills Primary School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #175 of 239 | #994 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #798 of 1,259 | #3116 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,965 | 499 |
| Girls / boys | 1,453 / 1,512 | 245 / 254 |
| Foundation intake | 154 | 89 |
| Year 7 cohort | 310 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 277 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 7.1% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 978 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 37th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 15.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 233.9 | 31.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 136.0 | 26.7 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 5% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ | www.pakenhamhillsps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Pakenham Hills Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (44.5 vs 43.5).
- •Beaconhills College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Beaconhills College has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 15.9).
- •Beaconhills College is the larger school with 2,965 students compared with 499.
- •Pakenham Hills Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs 4%).
- •Beaconhills College is a independent school while Pakenham Hills Primary School is a government 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 Beaconhills College better than Pakenham Hills Primary School?
On the Success Index, Pakenham Hills Primary School ranks higher (44.5 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 Pakenham Hills Primary School?
About 2.5 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 Pakenham Hills Primary School has 15.9.
How do Beaconhills College and Pakenham Hills Primary School rank in VIC?
Beaconhills College is 175th of 239 and Pakenham Hills Primary School is 994th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.