Clonard College vs Western Heights Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 770 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Clonard College
Herne Hill · Catholic high school · 7-12
940 students · ICSEA 1051
Western Heights Secondary College
Hamlyn Heights · Government high school · 7-12
1,060 students · ICSEA 991
| Measure | Clonard College Herne Hill VIC | Western Heights Secondary College Hamlyn Heights VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 66 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #123 of 348 | #188 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #370 of 1,472 | #638 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 940 | 1,060 |
| Girls / boys | 940 / 0 | 425 / 635 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 166 | 213 |
| Year 12 cohort | 149 | 108 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 6.9% | 1.2% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +165% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1051 | 991 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 37% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.2 | 84.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.5 | 40.4 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 5% |
| Suburb | Herne Hill 3218 | Hamlyn Heights 3215 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | clonard.vic.edu.au/ | www.whc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Clonard College scores higher on the Success Index (66.3 vs 54.7).
- •Clonard College has the higher ICSEA (1051 vs 991), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Western Heights Secondary College is the larger school with 1,060 students compared with 940.
- •Western Heights Secondary College has grown faster over five years (165% vs 2%).
- •Clonard College is a catholic school while Western Heights Secondary College is a government 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 South Geelong
Frequently asked questions
Is Clonard College better than Western Heights Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Clonard College ranks higher (66.3 vs 54.7 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 Clonard College and Western Heights Secondary College?
About 770 m in a straight line, between Herne Hill and Hamlyn Heights in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Clonard College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Western Heights Secondary College has 12.5.
How do Clonard College and Western Heights Secondary College rank in VIC?
Clonard College is 123rd of 348 and Western Heights Secondary College is 188th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.