Beaconhills College vs St Patrick's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.0 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
St Patrick's School
Pakenham · Catholic primary · Prep-6
318 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | Beaconhills College Pakenham VIC | St Patrick's School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #175 of 239 | #1112 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #798 of 1,259 | #3568 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 2,965 | 318 |
| Girls / boys | 1,453 / 1,512 | 152 / 166 |
| Foundation intake | 154 | 43 |
| 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% | -31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 233.9 | 23.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 136.0 | 10.5 |
| Language background other than English | 31% | 62% |
| 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.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Beaconhills College scores higher on the Success Index (43.5 vs 38.1).
- •Beaconhills College has the higher ICSEA (1035 vs 982), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Beaconhills College has fewer students per teacher (12.7 vs 13.4).
- •Beaconhills College is the larger school with 2,965 students compared with 318.
- •Beaconhills College has grown faster over five years (4% vs -31%).
- •Beaconhills College is a independent school while St Patrick's School is a catholic 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 St Patrick's School?
On the Success Index, Beaconhills College ranks higher (43.5 vs 38.1 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 St Patrick's School?
About 1.0 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 St Patrick's School has 13.4.
How do Beaconhills College and St Patrick's School rank in VIC?
Beaconhills College is 175th of 239 and St Patrick's School is 1112th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.