Bendigo Senior Secondary College vs Melba Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 145 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Bendigo · Government high school · 10-12
1,918 students · ICSEA 1003
Melba Secondary College
Croydon · Government high school · 7-12
663 students · ICSEA 1003
| Measure | Bendigo Senior Secondary College Bendigo VIC | Melba Secondary College Croydon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #223 of 348 | #153 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #765 of 1,472 | #495 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,918 | 663 |
| Girls / boys | 950 / 968 | 353 / 310 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 115 |
| Year 12 cohort | 837 | 71 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 2.7% | 2.1% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1003 | 1003 |
| ICSEA percentile | 48th | 48th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 130.2 | 58.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 66.7 | 24.5 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Bendigo 3552 | Croydon 3136 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Maroondah |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bssc.edu.au/ | www.melba.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Melba Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (60.8 vs 48.6).
- •Melba Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.5).
- •Bendigo Senior Secondary College is the larger school with 1,918 students compared with 663.
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 Craigieburn
Frequently asked questions
Is Bendigo Senior Secondary College better than Melba Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Melba Secondary College ranks higher (60.8 vs 48.6 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 Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Melba Secondary College?
About 145 km in a straight line, between Bendigo and Croydon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Bendigo Senior Secondary College has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Melba Secondary College has 11.4.
How do Bendigo Senior Secondary College and Melba Secondary College rank in VIC?
Bendigo Senior Secondary College is 223rd of 348 and Melba Secondary College is 153rd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.