EdSpace vs Frank Dando Sports Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two special schools in Victoria, 166 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
EdSpace
Benalla · Independent special · U
23 students · ICSEA 1043
Frank Dando Sports Academy
Ashwood · Independent special · 6-10
36 students · ICSEA 1023
| Measure | EdSpace Benalla VIC | Frank Dando Sports Academy Ashwood VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | – | – |
| National rank (type) | – | – |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Special | Special |
| Year range | U | 6-10 |
| Students | 23 | 36 |
| Girls / boys | 11 / 12 | 0 / 36 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 6 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1043 | 1023 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 57th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 11.2 | 7.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 1.9 | 4.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.2 | 4.4 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 0% |
| Suburb | Benalla 3672 | Ashwood 3147 |
| Council area | Benalla | Monash |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.capabilitybuilding.org.au | www.fdsa.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •EdSpace has the higher ICSEA (1043 vs 1023), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Frank Dando Sports Academy has fewer students per teacher (7.5 vs 11.2).
- •Frank Dando Sports Academy is the larger school with 36 students compared with 23.
- •Frank Dando Sports Academy has grown faster over five years (33% vs 0%).
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 EdSpace better than Frank Dando Sports Academy?
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 EdSpace and Frank Dando Sports Academy?
About 166 km in a straight line, between Benalla and Ashwood in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
EdSpace has 11.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Frank Dando Sports Academy has 7.5.
How do EdSpace and Frank Dando Sports Academy rank in VIC?
EdSpace is unranked and Frank Dando Sports Academy is unranked among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.