Billanook College vs Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Victoria, 131 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Billanook College
Mooroolbark · Independent combined · Prep-12
889 students · ICSEA 1104
Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten
Muckleford · Independent combined · Prep-8
135 students · ICSEA 1105
| Measure | Billanook College Mooroolbark VIC | Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten Muckleford VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #68 of 239 | #93 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #193 of 1,259 | #316 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-8 |
| Students | 889 | 135 |
| Girls / boys | 398 / 491 | 75 / 60 |
| Foundation intake | 41 | 12 |
| Year 7 cohort | 125 | 15 |
| Year 12 cohort | 95 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 9.7% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +24% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1104 | 1105 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 41% | 44% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 11.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 83.3 | 11.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 45.2 | 12.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Mooroolbark 3138 | Muckleford 3451 |
| Council area | Yarra Ranges | Mount Alexander |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.billanook.vic.edu.au | www.cssk.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Billanook College scores higher on the Success Index (74.1 vs 67.4).
- •Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten has the higher ICSEA (1105 vs 1104), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Billanook College has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 11.6).
- •Billanook College is the larger school with 889 students compared with 135.
- •Billanook College has grown faster over five years (24% vs -23%).
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 Billanook College better than Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten?
On the Success Index, Billanook College ranks higher (74.1 vs 67.4 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 Billanook College and Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten?
About 131 km in a straight line, between Mooroolbark and Muckleford in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Billanook College has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten has 11.6.
How do Billanook College and Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten rank in VIC?
Billanook College is 68th of 239 and Castlemaine Steiner School & Kindergarten is 93rd of 239 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.