Elsternwick Primary School vs St James' School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 727 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Elsternwick Primary School
Brighton · Government primary · Prep-6
463 students · ICSEA 1147
St James' School
Brighton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
146 students · ICSEA 1133
| Measure | Elsternwick Primary School Brighton VIC | St James' School Brighton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 10% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #270 of 1,290 | #205 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #567 of 4,908 | #410 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 463 | 146 |
| Girls / boys | 223 / 240 | 104 / 42 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1147 | 1133 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 61% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 15.2 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 30.5 | 13.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.3 | 5.5 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Brighton 3186 | Brighton 3186 |
| Council area | Bayside (Vic.) | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elsternwickps.vic.edu.au | www.stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St James' School scores higher on the Success Index (76.8 vs 74.6).
- •Elsternwick Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1147 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St James' School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 15.2).
- •Elsternwick Primary School is the larger school with 463 students compared with 146.
- •Elsternwick Primary School has grown faster over five years (-13% vs -27%).
- •Elsternwick Primary School is a government school while St James' 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Elsternwick Primary School better than St James' School?
On the Success Index, St James' School ranks higher (76.8 vs 74.6 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 Elsternwick Primary School and St James' School?
About 727 m in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elsternwick Primary School has 15.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James' School has 11.1.
How do Elsternwick Primary School and St James' School rank in VIC?
Elsternwick Primary School is 270th of 1,290 and St James' School is 205th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.