Dandenong North Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dandenong North Primary School
Dandenong · Government primary · Prep-6
798 students · ICSEA 955
St Mary's School
Dandenong · Catholic primary · Prep-6
154 students · ICSEA 993
| Measure | Dandenong North Primary School Dandenong VIC | St Mary's School Dandenong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1057 of 1,290 | #906 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3346 of 4,908 | #2798 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 798 | 154 |
| Girls / boys | 392 / 406 | 78 / 76 |
| Foundation intake | 96 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +1% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 955 | 993 |
| ICSEA percentile | 27th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 59.8 | 14.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.7 | 10.4 |
| Language background other than English | 91% | 75% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Dandenong 3175 | Dandenong 3175 |
| Council area | Greater Dandenong | Greater Dandenong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.dandenongnorthps.vic.edu.au | www.smdandenong.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (48.6 vs 41.1).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (993 vs 955), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 13.3).
- •Dandenong North Primary School is the larger school with 798 students compared with 154.
- •Dandenong North Primary School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -23%).
- •Dandenong North Primary School is a government school while St Mary's School is a catholic 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 Springvale
Frequently asked questions
Is Dandenong North Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (48.6 vs 41.1 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 Dandenong North Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Dandenong and Dandenong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dandenong North Primary School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 10.4.
How do Dandenong North Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Dandenong North Primary School is 1057th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 906th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.