Blackburn English Language School vs Forest Hill College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blackburn English Language School
Burwood East · Government special · Prep-10
344 students · ICSEA 1022
Forest Hill College
Burwood East · Government high school · 7-12
356 students · ICSEA 1045
| Measure | Blackburn English Language School Burwood East VIC | Forest Hill College Burwood East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | – | #122 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #364 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Special | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 344 | 356 |
| Girls / boys | 166 / 178 | 139 / 217 |
| Foundation intake | 31 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 32 | 51 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 67 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 6.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +37% | -43% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1022 | 1045 |
| ICSEA percentile | 57th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 6.0 | 9.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.9 | 38.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.7 | 16.2 |
| Language background other than English | 100% | 41% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Burwood East 3151 | Burwood East 3151 |
| Council area | Whitehorse | Whitehorse |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.blackburnels.vic.edu.au/ | www.fhc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Forest Hill College has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1022), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blackburn English Language School has fewer students per teacher (6.0 vs 9.2).
- •Forest Hill College is the larger school with 356 students compared with 344.
- •Blackburn English Language School has grown faster over five years (37% vs -43%).
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 Blackburn English Language School better than Forest Hill College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Blackburn English Language School and Forest Hill College?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Burwood East and Burwood East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackburn English Language School has 6.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Forest Hill College has 9.2.
How do Blackburn English Language School and Forest Hill College rank in VIC?
Blackburn English Language School is unranked and Forest Hill College is 122nd of 348 among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.