Blackburn High School vs Swinburne Senior Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 9.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blackburn High School
Blackburn · Government high school · 7-12
1,289 students · ICSEA 1094
Swinburne Senior Secondary College
Hawthorn · Government high school · 11-12
374 students · ICSEA 1093
| Measure | Blackburn High School Blackburn VIC | Swinburne Senior Secondary College Hawthorn VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #93 of 348 | #51 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #239 of 1,472 | #121 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 11-12 |
| Students | 1,289 | 374 |
| Girls / boys | 561 / 728 | 241 / 133 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 214 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 179 | 181 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 28 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 9.8% | 3.9% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | -9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1093 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 10% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 101.7 | 32.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.9 | 14.8 |
| Language background other than English | 40% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Blackburn 3130 | Hawthorn 3122 |
| Council area | Whitehorse | Boroondara |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.blackburnhs.vic.edu.au | www.sssc.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Swinburne Senior Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (76.7 vs 71.8).
- •Blackburn High School has the higher ICSEA (1094 vs 1093), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Swinburne Senior Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 12.7).
- •Blackburn High School is the larger school with 1,289 students compared with 374.
- •Blackburn High School has grown faster over five years (-4% vs -9%).
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 High School better than Swinburne Senior Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Swinburne Senior Secondary College ranks higher (76.7 vs 71.8 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 Blackburn High School and Swinburne Senior Secondary College?
About 9.7 km in a straight line, between Blackburn and Hawthorn in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blackburn High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Swinburne Senior Secondary College has 11.2.
How do Blackburn High School and Swinburne Senior Secondary College rank in VIC?
Blackburn High School is 93rd of 348 and Swinburne Senior Secondary College is 51st of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.