DOXA School Bendigo vs Saints College
A head-to-head comparison of two special schools in Victoria, 131 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
DOXA School Bendigo
Bendigo · Catholic special · 8-12
47 students · ICSEA 961
Saints College
North Melbourne · Catholic special · 7-12
1,524 students · ICSEA 935
| Measure | DOXA School Bendigo Bendigo VIC | Saints College North Melbourne VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | – | – |
| National rank (type) | – | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Special | Special |
| Year range | 8-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 47 | 1,524 |
| Girls / boys | 29 / 18 | 788 / 736 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 100 |
| Year 12 cohort | 7 | 292 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | +232% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 961 | 935 |
| ICSEA percentile | 29th | 20th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 51% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 6.9 | 15.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.8 | 97.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.2 | 168.5 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 12% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 13% |
| Suburb | Bendigo 3550 | North Melbourne 3051 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.doxabendigo.catholic.edu.au/ | www.youthplus.edu.au |
The verdict
- •DOXA School Bendigo has the higher ICSEA (961 vs 935), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •DOXA School Bendigo has fewer students per teacher (6.9 vs 15.6).
- •Saints College is the larger school with 1,524 students compared with 47.
- •Saints College has grown faster over five years (232% vs -6%).
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 DOXA School Bendigo better than Saints College?
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 DOXA School Bendigo and Saints College?
About 131 km in a straight line, between Bendigo and North Melbourne in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
DOXA School Bendigo has 6.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Saints College has 15.6.
How do DOXA School Bendigo and Saints College rank in VIC?
DOXA School Bendigo is unranked and Saints College is unranked among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.