Beaconhills College vs Pakenham Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 864 m 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 Secondary College
Pakenham · Government high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 962
| Measure | Beaconhills College Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #175 of 239 | #282 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #798 of 1,259 | #963 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 2,965 | 1,030 |
| Girls / boys | 1,453 / 1,512 | 476 / 554 |
| Foundation intake | 154 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 310 | 246 |
| Year 12 cohort | 277 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 26 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 7.1% | 2.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 962 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 233.9 | 84.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 136.0 | 38.6 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.beaconhills.vic.edu.au/ | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Beaconhills College scores higher on the Success Index (43.5 vs 39.7).
- •Beaconhills College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 12.7).
- •Beaconhills College is the larger school with 2,965 students compared with 1,030.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has grown faster over five years (33% vs 4%).
- •Beaconhills College is a independent school while Pakenham Secondary College 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Springvale
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaconhills College better than Pakenham Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Beaconhills College ranks higher (43.5 vs 39.7 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 Beaconhills College and Pakenham Secondary College?
About 864 m 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 Secondary College has 12.2.
How do Beaconhills College and Pakenham Secondary College rank in VIC?
Beaconhills College is 175th of 239 and Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.