Brighton Grammar School vs St James' School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brighton Grammar School
Brighton · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,480 students · ICSEA 1143
St James' School
Brighton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
146 students · ICSEA 1133
| Measure | Brighton Grammar School Brighton VIC | St James' School Brighton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 10% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #42 of 239 | #205 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #101 of 1,259 | #410 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,480 | 146 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 1,480 | 104 / 42 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 170 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 174 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 34 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 18.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1143 | 1133 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 58% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 163.4 | 13.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 93.3 | 5.5 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Brighton 3186 | Brighton 3186 |
| Council area | Bayside (Vic.) | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.brightongrammar.vic.edu.au | www.stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Brighton Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (80.5 vs 76.8).
- •Brighton Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1143 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brighton Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 11.1).
- •Brighton Grammar School is the larger school with 1,480 students compared with 146.
- •Brighton Grammar School has grown faster over five years (11% vs -27%).
- •Brighton Grammar School is a independent school while St James' 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 Brighton Grammar School better than St James' School?
On the Success Index, Brighton Grammar School ranks higher (80.5 vs 76.8 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 Brighton Grammar School and St James' School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brighton Grammar School has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James' School has 11.1.
How do Brighton Grammar School and St James' School rank in VIC?
Brighton Grammar School is 42nd of 239 and St James' School is 205th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.