California Gully Primary School vs Lightning Reef Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
California Gully Primary School
California Gully · Government primary · Prep-6
181 students · ICSEA 913
Lightning Reef Primary School
Bendigo · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 858
| Measure | California Gully Primary School California Gully VIC | Lightning Reef Primary School Bendigo VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1254 of 1,290 | #1266 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #4340 of 4,908 | #4440 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 181 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 83 / 98 | 74 / 91 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 913 | 858 |
| ICSEA percentile | 14th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 64% | 79% |
| Students per teacher | 13.8 | 8.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.1 | 18.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.4 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 1% | 43% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 12% |
| Suburb | California Gully 3556 | Bendigo 3550 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Greater Bendigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.californiagullyps.vic.edu.au | www.lightningreefps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •California Gully Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (27.1 vs 25.9).
- •California Gully Primary School has the higher ICSEA (913 vs 858), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lightning Reef Primary School has fewer students per teacher (8.9 vs 13.8).
- •California Gully Primary School is the larger school with 181 students compared with 165.
- •California Gully Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -8%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Craigieburn
Frequently asked questions
Is California Gully Primary School better than Lightning Reef Primary School?
On the Success Index, California Gully Primary School ranks higher (27.1 vs 25.9 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 California Gully Primary School and Lightning Reef Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between California Gully and Bendigo in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
California Gully Primary School has 13.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lightning Reef Primary School has 8.9.
How do California Gully Primary School and Lightning Reef Primary School rank in VIC?
California Gully Primary School is 1254th of 1,290 and Lightning Reef Primary School is 1266th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.