Columba Catholic School vs St Thomas Aquinas College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 8.2 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 Thomas Aquinas College
Tynong · Independent combined · Prep-12
204 students · ICSEA 1030
| Measure | Columba Catholic School Bunyip VIC | St Thomas Aquinas College Tynong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #790 of 1,290 | #162 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #2372 of 4,908 | #712 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 291 | 204 |
| Girls / boys | 141 / 150 | 106 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | 43 | 12 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 16 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 16 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +48% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 1030 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 14.7 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.8 | 23.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 0% |
| Suburb | Bunyip 3815 | Tynong 3813 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.bunyip.catholic.edu.au | www.stac.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Columba Catholic School scores higher on the Success Index (54.4 vs 47.4).
- •St Thomas Aquinas College has the higher ICSEA (1030 vs 1009), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas Aquinas College has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 14.7).
- •Columba Catholic School is the larger school with 291 students compared with 204.
- •Columba Catholic School has grown faster over five years (48% vs -27%).
- •Columba Catholic School is a catholic school while St Thomas Aquinas College 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 Columba Catholic School better than St Thomas Aquinas College?
On the Success Index, Columba Catholic School ranks higher (54.4 vs 47.4 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 Thomas Aquinas College?
About 8.2 km in a straight line, between Bunyip and Tynong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Columba Catholic School has 14.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas College has 8.6.
How do Columba Catholic School and St Thomas Aquinas College rank in VIC?
Columba Catholic School is 790th of 1,290 and St Thomas Aquinas College is 162nd of 239 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.