Elwood College vs St Columba's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 301 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Elwood College
Elwood · Government high school · 7-12
804 students · ICSEA 1096
St Columba's School
Elwood · Catholic primary · Prep-6
137 students · ICSEA 1152
| Measure | Elwood College Elwood VIC | St Columba's School Elwood VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 84 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #103 of 348 | #35 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #279 of 1,472 | #59 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 804 | 137 |
| Girls / boys | 344 / 460 | 66 / 71 |
| Foundation intake | – | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 128 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.5% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1096 | 1152 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 40% | 60% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 10.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 65.8 | 13.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.0 | 5.4 |
| Language background other than English | 33% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Elwood 3184 | Elwood 3184 |
| Council area | Port Phillip | Port Phillip |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elwood.vic.edu.au | www.stcolumbasprimary.org |
The verdict
- •St Columba's School scores higher on the Success Index (83.8 vs 70.4).
- •St Columba's School has the higher ICSEA (1152 vs 1096), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 12.2).
- •Elwood College is the larger school with 804 students compared with 137.
- •Elwood College has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -12%).
- •Elwood College is a government school while St Columba'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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Elwood College better than St Columba's School?
On the Success Index, St Columba's School ranks higher (83.8 vs 70.4 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 Elwood College and St Columba's School?
About 301 m in a straight line, between Elwood and Elwood in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elwood College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's School has 10.1.
How do Elwood College and St Columba's School rank in VIC?
Elwood College is 103rd of 348 and St Columba's School is 35th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.