Eltham College vs Sophia Mundi Steiner School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Victoria, 20 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Eltham College
Research · Independent combined · Prep-12
639 students · ICSEA 1139
Sophia Mundi Steiner School
Abbotsford · Independent combined · Prep-12
139 students · ICSEA 1140
| Measure | Eltham College Research VIC | Sophia Mundi Steiner School Abbotsford VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 81 Top 10% | 77 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 239 | #54 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #102 of 1,259 | #147 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 639 | 139 |
| Girls / boys | 251 / 388 | 86 / 53 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | 79 | 8 |
| Year 12 cohort | 78 | 4 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 32 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 10.2% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1139 | 1140 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 93th |
| Top SEA quarter | 55% | 56% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 8.5 | 6.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 74.9 | 22.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 53.1 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Research 3095 | Abbotsford 3067 |
| Council area | Nillumbik | Yarra |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elthamcollege.vic.edu.au | www.sophiamundi.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Eltham College scores higher on the Success Index (80.5 vs 77.4).
- •Sophia Mundi Steiner School has the higher ICSEA (1140 vs 1139), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sophia Mundi Steiner School has fewer students per teacher (6.2 vs 8.5).
- •Eltham College is the larger school with 639 students compared with 139.
- •Eltham College has grown faster over five years (6% vs -30%).
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 Eltham College better than Sophia Mundi Steiner School?
On the Success Index, Eltham College ranks higher (80.5 vs 77.4 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 Eltham College and Sophia Mundi Steiner School?
About 20 km in a straight line, between Research and Abbotsford in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Eltham College has 8.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sophia Mundi Steiner School has 6.2.
How do Eltham College and Sophia Mundi Steiner School rank in VIC?
Eltham College is 43rd of 239 and Sophia Mundi Steiner School is 54th of 239 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.