Bellarine Secondary College vs St Thomas Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 365 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bellarine Secondary College
Drysdale · Government high school · 7-12
1,147 students · ICSEA 1006
St Thomas Primary School
Drysdale · Catholic primary · Prep-6
428 students · ICSEA 1051
| Measure | Bellarine Secondary College Drysdale VIC | St Thomas Primary School Drysdale VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #221 of 348 | #635 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #760 of 1,472 | #1876 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,147 | 428 |
| Girls / boys | 492 / 655 | 207 / 221 |
| Foundation intake | – | 60 |
| Year 7 cohort | 197 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 137 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 2% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -10% | +0% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1006 | 1051 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 90.7 | 31.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 46.2 | 11.3 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Drysdale 3222 | Drysdale 3222 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.bellarinesc.vic.edu.au | www.stdrysdale.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Thomas Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 49.1).
- •St Thomas Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1051 vs 1006), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Bellarine Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 13.7).
- •Bellarine Secondary College is the larger school with 1,147 students compared with 428.
- •St Thomas Primary School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -10%).
- •Bellarine Secondary College is a government school while St Thomas Primary 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 Bellarine Secondary College better than St Thomas Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Thomas Primary School ranks higher (60.7 vs 49.1 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 Bellarine Secondary College and St Thomas Primary School?
About 365 m in a straight line, between Drysdale and Drysdale in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bellarine Secondary College has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Primary School has 13.7.
How do Bellarine Secondary College and St Thomas Primary School rank in VIC?
Bellarine Secondary College is 221st of 348 and St Thomas Primary School is 635th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.