Beaconhills College vs Pakenham Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 3.8 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 Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
420 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Beaconhills College Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Primary School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #175 of 239 | #900 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #798 of 1,259 | #2773 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,965 | 420 |
| Girls / boys | 1,453 / 1,512 | 221 / 199 |
| Foundation intake | 154 | 67 |
| 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% | +57% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 14.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 233.9 | 28.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 136.0 | 14.5 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 29% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ | pakenhamps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Pakenham Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.9 vs 43.5).
- •Beaconhills College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 999), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Beaconhills College has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 14.6).
- •Beaconhills College is the larger school with 2,965 students compared with 420.
- •Pakenham Primary School has grown faster over five years (57% vs 4%).
- •Beaconhills College is a independent school while Pakenham 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 Primary School?
On the Success Index, Pakenham Primary School ranks higher (48.9 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 Primary School?
About 3.8 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 Primary School has 14.6.
How do Beaconhills College and Pakenham Primary School rank in VIC?
Beaconhills College is 175th of 239 and Pakenham Primary School is 900th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.