Black Hill Primary School vs St Columba's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 962 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Black Hill Primary School
Ballarat · Government primary · Prep-6
397 students · ICSEA 1042
St Columba's School
Ballarat North · Catholic primary · Prep-6
334 students · ICSEA 1090
| Measure | Black Hill Primary School Ballarat VIC | St Columba's School Ballarat North VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 57 Top 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #734 of 1,290 | #420 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2190 of 4,908 | #1051 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 397 | 334 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 197 | 161 / 173 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1042 | 1090 |
| ICSEA percentile | 65th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 14.1 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.1 | 22.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.3 | 11.4 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 1% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Ballarat 3350 | Ballarat North 3350 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.blackhillps.vic.edu.au/ | www.scballarat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba's School scores higher on the Success Index (69.6 vs 56.7).
- •St Columba's School has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 1042), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Black Hill Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.1 vs 15.0).
- •Black Hill Primary School is the larger school with 397 students compared with 334.
- •St Columba's School has grown faster over five years (2% vs -20%).
- •Black Hill Primary School is a government school while St Columba'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 Black Hill Primary School better than St Columba's School?
On the Success Index, St Columba's School ranks higher (69.6 vs 56.7 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 Black Hill Primary School and St Columba's School?
About 962 m in a straight line, between Ballarat and Ballarat North in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Black Hill Primary School has 14.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's School has 15.0.
How do Black Hill Primary School and St Columba's School rank in VIC?
Black Hill Primary School is 734th of 1,290 and St Columba's School is 420th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.