Damascus College vs Simonds Catholic 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.
Damascus College
Mount Clear · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,215 students · ICSEA 1052
Simonds Catholic College
West Melbourne · Catholic high school · 7-12
359 students · ICSEA 1053
| Measure | Damascus College Mount Clear VIC | Simonds Catholic College West Melbourne VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 73 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #118 of 348 | #84 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #348 of 1,472 | #207 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,215 | 359 |
| Girls / boys | 656 / 559 | 0 / 359 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 234 | 65 |
| Year 12 cohort | 158 | 57 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 30 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5.4% | 3.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +9% | -14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1052 | 1053 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 9.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 104.1 | 37.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 61.9 | 18.5 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Mount Clear 3350 | West Melbourne 3003 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.damascus.vic.edu.au | www.sccmelb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Simonds Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (73.1 vs 67.4).
- •Simonds Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1053 vs 1052), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Simonds Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 11.7).
- •Damascus College is the larger school with 1,215 students compared with 359.
- •Damascus College has grown faster over five years (9% vs -14%).
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 Damascus College better than Simonds Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Simonds Catholic College ranks higher (73.1 vs 67.4 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 Damascus College and Simonds Catholic College?
About 98 km in a straight line, between Mount Clear and West Melbourne in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Damascus College has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Simonds Catholic College has 9.5.
How do Damascus College and Simonds Catholic College rank in VIC?
Damascus College is 118th of 348 and Simonds Catholic College is 84th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.