Brighton Secondary College vs St Finbar's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 454 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Brighton Secondary College
Brighton East · Government high school · 7-12
873 students · ICSEA 1106
St Finbar's School
Brighton East · Catholic primary · Prep-6
331 students · ICSEA 1136
| Measure | Brighton Secondary College Brighton East VIC | St Finbar's School Brighton East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #89 of 348 | #208 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #225 of 1,472 | #419 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 873 | 331 |
| Girls / boys | 367 / 506 | 161 / 170 |
| Foundation intake | – | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | 115 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 160 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -28% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1106 | 1136 |
| ICSEA percentile | 86th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 44% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 14.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 81.0 | 22.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 27.4 | 10.1 |
| Language background other than English | 41% | 35% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 2% |
| Suburb | Brighton East 3187 | Brighton East 3187 |
| Council area | Bayside (Vic.) | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.brightonsc.vic.edu.au | www.sfbrightoneast.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Finbar's School scores higher on the Success Index (76.7 vs 72.4).
- •St Finbar's School has the higher ICSEA (1136 vs 1106), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Brighton Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (10.7 vs 14.7).
- •Brighton Secondary College is the larger school with 873 students compared with 331.
- •St Finbar's School has grown faster over five years (-3% vs -28%).
- •Brighton Secondary College is a government school while St Finbar'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 Brighton Secondary College better than St Finbar's School?
On the Success Index, St Finbar's School ranks higher (76.7 vs 72.4 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 Brighton Secondary College and St Finbar's School?
About 454 m in a straight line, between Brighton East and Brighton East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Brighton Secondary College has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Finbar's School has 14.7.
How do Brighton Secondary College and St Finbar's School rank in VIC?
Brighton Secondary College is 89th of 348 and St Finbar's School is 208th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.