Canterbury Girls Secondary College vs Fintona Girls' School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Canterbury Girls Secondary College
Canterbury · Government high school · 7-12
775 students · ICSEA 1141
Fintona Girls' School
Balwyn · Independent combined · Prep-12
533 students · ICSEA 1191
| Measure | Canterbury Girls Secondary College Canterbury VIC | Fintona Girls' School Balwyn VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 5% | 90 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 348 | #3 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #62 of 1,472 | #5 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 775 | 533 |
| Girls / boys | 775 / 0 | 533 / – |
| Foundation intake | – | 38 |
| Year 7 cohort | 164 | 61 |
| Year 12 cohort | 113 | 51 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 35 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 7.9% | 26.8% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -24% | +19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1191 |
| ICSEA percentile | 94th | 99th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 75% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 63.6 | 55.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.1 | 30.0 |
| Language background other than English | 44% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Canterbury 3126 | Balwyn 3103 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Boroondara |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cgsc.vic.edu.au | www.fintona.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fintona Girls' School scores higher on the Success Index (90.0 vs 80.5).
- •Fintona Girls' School has the higher ICSEA (1191 vs 1141), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fintona Girls' School has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 12.1).
- •Canterbury Girls Secondary College is the larger school with 775 students compared with 533.
- •Fintona Girls' School has grown faster over five years (19% vs -24%).
- •Canterbury Girls Secondary College is a government school while Fintona Girls' School is an independent 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.
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 Hawthorn
Frequently asked questions
Is Canterbury Girls Secondary College better than Fintona Girls' School?
On the Success Index, Fintona Girls' School ranks higher (90.0 vs 80.5 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 Canterbury Girls Secondary College and Fintona Girls' School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Canterbury and Balwyn in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Canterbury Girls Secondary College has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fintona Girls' School has 9.5.
How do Canterbury Girls Secondary College and Fintona Girls' School rank in VIC?
Canterbury Girls Secondary College is 28th of 348 and Fintona Girls' School is 3rd of 239 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.