Catherine McAuley College vs John Paul College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 172 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Catherine McAuley College
Bendigo · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,567 students · ICSEA 1055
John Paul College
Frankston · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,300 students · ICSEA 1055
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Bendigo VIC | John Paul College Frankston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 348 | #96 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #310 of 1,472 | #250 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,567 | 1,300 |
| Girls / boys | 758 / 809 | 610 / 690 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 337 | 251 |
| Year 12 cohort | 176 | 171 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5% | 5.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | +40% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1055 | 1055 |
| ICSEA percentile | 70th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 126.6 | 106.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 64.6 | 71.3 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Bendigo 3550 | Frankston 3199 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Frankston |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cmc.vic.edu.au/ | www.jpc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •John Paul College scores higher on the Success Index (71.5 vs 68.8).
- •Catherine McAuley College is the larger school with 1,567 students compared with 1,300.
- •John Paul College has grown faster over five years (40% vs 11%).
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 Catherine McAuley College better than John Paul College?
On the Success Index, John Paul College ranks higher (71.5 vs 68.8 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 Catherine McAuley College and John Paul College?
About 172 km in a straight line, between Bendigo and Frankston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and John Paul College has 12.2.
How do Catherine McAuley College and John Paul College rank in VIC?
Catherine McAuley College is 109th of 348 and John Paul College is 96th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.