Columba Catholic School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 291 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Columba Catholic School
Bunyip · Catholic primary · Prep-6
291 students · ICSEA 1009
St Joseph's School
Charlton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
38 students · ICSEA 1009
| Measure | Columba Catholic School Bunyip VIC | St Joseph's School Charlton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #790 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #2372 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 291 | 38 |
| Girls / boys | 141 / 150 | 18 / 20 |
| Foundation intake | 43 | 5 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +48% | +36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 1009 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 14.7 | 8.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.8 | 4.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 2.2 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Bunyip 3815 | Charlton 3525 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Buloke |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.bunyip.catholic.edu.au | www.sjcharlton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Columba Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (54.4 vs 53.3).
- •St Joseph's School has fewer students per teacher (8.5 vs 14.7).
- •Columba Catholic School is the larger school with 291 students compared with 38.
- •Columba Catholic School has grown faster over five years (48% vs 36%).
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 Columba Catholic School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, Columba Catholic School ranks higher (54.4 vs 53.3 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 Columba Catholic School and St Joseph's School?
About 291 km in a straight line, between Bunyip and Charlton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Columba Catholic School has 14.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 8.5.
How do Columba Catholic School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Columba Catholic School is 790th of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.