Cockatoo Primary School vs Fernbrook School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cockatoo Primary School
Cockatoo · Government primary · Prep-6
306 students · ICSEA 1009
Fernbrook School
The Basin · Independent combined · Prep-10
78 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Cockatoo Primary School Cockatoo VIC | Fernbrook School The Basin VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #849 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #2604 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-10 |
| Students | 306 | 78 |
| Girls / boys | 154 / 152 | 39 / 39 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 13 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +271% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 9.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 8.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.3 | 8.1 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 5% |
| Suburb | Cockatoo 3781 | The Basin 3154 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/StateRegister/Provider.aspx/DetailsProvider?AccountID=8a90c00c-ed32-de11-9c94-002185cd8e5c | www.fernbrook.com.au/ |
The verdict
- •Fernbrook School scores higher on the Success Index (57.5 vs 51.2).
- •Fernbrook School has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 1009), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fernbrook School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 15.2).
- •Cockatoo Primary School is the larger school with 306 students compared with 78.
- •Fernbrook School has grown faster over five years (271% vs 15%).
- •Cockatoo Primary School is a government school while Fernbrook 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Cockatoo Primary School better than Fernbrook School?
On the Success Index, Fernbrook School ranks higher (57.5 vs 51.2 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 Cockatoo Primary School and Fernbrook School?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Cockatoo and The Basin in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cockatoo Primary School has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fernbrook School has 9.8.
How do Cockatoo Primary School and Fernbrook School rank in VIC?
Cockatoo Primary School is 849th of 1,290 and Fernbrook School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.