Daylesford Dharma School vs St Michael's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Daylesford Dharma School
Daylesford · Independent primary · Prep-6
21 students · ICSEA 1062
St Michael's School
Daylesford · Catholic primary · Prep-6
86 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Daylesford Dharma School Daylesford VIC | St Michael's School Daylesford VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #572 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1602 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 21 | 86 |
| Girls / boys | 13 / 8 | 42 / 44 |
| Foundation intake | 5 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -42% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1062 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 73th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 12% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 6.6 | 9.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 3.2 | 9.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.4 | 4.4 |
| Language background other than English | 24% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Daylesford 3460 | Daylesford 3460 |
| Council area | Hepburn | Hepburn |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.dharmaschool.com.au | www.smdaylesford.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (64.3 vs 63.5).
- •Daylesford Dharma School has the higher ICSEA (1062 vs 1049), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Daylesford Dharma School has fewer students per teacher (6.6 vs 9.3).
- •St Michael's School is the larger school with 86 students compared with 21.
- •St Michael's School has grown faster over five years (8% vs -42%).
- •Daylesford Dharma School is a independent school while St Michael'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 Caroline Springs
Frequently asked questions
Is Daylesford Dharma School better than St Michael's School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Daylesford Dharma School and St Michael's School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Daylesford and Daylesford in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Daylesford Dharma School has 6.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Michael's School has 9.3.
How do Daylesford Dharma School and St Michael's School rank in VIC?
Daylesford Dharma School is unranked and St Michael's School is 572nd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.