Carrum Downs Secondary College vs St Joachim's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carrum Downs Secondary College
Carrum Downs · Government high school · 7-12
928 students · ICSEA 969
St Joachim's School
Carrum Downs · Catholic primary · Prep-6
328 students · ICSEA 1052
| Measure | Carrum Downs Secondary College Carrum Downs VIC | St Joachim's School Carrum Downs VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #299 of 348 | #692 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1024 of 1,472 | #2054 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 928 | 328 |
| Girls / boys | 442 / 486 | 179 / 149 |
| Foundation intake | – | 49 |
| Year 7 cohort | 165 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 145 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.1% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 969 | 1052 |
| ICSEA percentile | 33th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.7 | 20.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.7 | 8.6 |
| Language background other than English | 21% | 38% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Carrum Downs 3201 | Carrum Downs 3201 |
| Council area | Frankston | Frankston |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cdsc.vic.edu.au/ | www.sjcarrumdowns.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joachim's School scores higher on the Success Index (58.5 vs 37.0).
- •St Joachim's School has the higher ICSEA (1052 vs 969), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Carrum Downs Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.8 vs 15.8).
- •Carrum Downs Secondary College is the larger school with 928 students compared with 328.
- •Carrum Downs Secondary College is a government school while St Joachim'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 Carrum Downs Secondary College better than St Joachim's School?
On the Success Index, St Joachim's School ranks higher (58.5 vs 37.0 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 Carrum Downs Secondary College and St Joachim's School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Carrum Downs and Carrum Downs in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carrum Downs Secondary College has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joachim's School has 15.8.
How do Carrum Downs Secondary College and St Joachim's School rank in VIC?
Carrum Downs Secondary College is 299th of 348 and St Joachim's School is 692nd of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.