Catherine McAuley College vs St Patrick's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 98 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
St Patrick's College
Ballarat · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,267 students · ICSEA 1055
| Measure | Catherine McAuley College Bendigo VIC | St Patrick's College Ballarat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #109 of 348 | #110 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #310 of 1,472 | #319 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,567 | 1,267 |
| Girls / boys | 758 / 809 | 0 / 1,267 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 337 | 210 |
| Year 12 cohort | 176 | 180 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 28 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5% | 2.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +11% | -3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1055 | 1055 |
| ICSEA percentile | 70th | 70th |
| Top SEA quarter | 23% | 21% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 126.6 | 114.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 64.6 | 73.3 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 5% |
| Suburb | Bendigo 3550 | Ballarat 3350 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.cmc.vic.edu.au/ | www.stpats.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (68.8 vs 68.3).
- •St Patrick's College has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.4).
- •Catherine McAuley College is the larger school with 1,567 students compared with 1,267.
- •Catherine McAuley College has grown faster over five years (11% vs -3%).
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 St Patrick's College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Catherine McAuley College and St Patrick's College?
About 98 km in a straight line, between Bendigo and Ballarat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Catherine McAuley College has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's College has 11.0.
How do Catherine McAuley College and St Patrick's College rank in VIC?
Catherine McAuley College is 109th of 348 and St Patrick's College is 110th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.