Elwood College vs Star of the Sea College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 2.0 km 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
Star of the Sea College
Brighton · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,204 students · ICSEA 1132
| Measure | Elwood College Elwood VIC | Star of the Sea College Brighton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 70 Top 25% | 82 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #103 of 348 | #21 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #279 of 1,472 | #43 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 804 | 1,204 |
| Girls / boys | 344 / 460 | 1,204 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 119 | 207 |
| Year 12 cohort | 128 | 182 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 33 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.5% | 13.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1096 | 1132 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 40% | 52% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 65.8 | 111.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.0 | 39.0 |
| Language background other than English | 33% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Elwood 3184 | Brighton 3186 |
| Council area | Port Phillip | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elwood.vic.edu.au | www.starmelb.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Star of the Sea College scores higher on the Success Index (82.0 vs 70.4).
- •Star of the Sea College has the higher ICSEA (1132 vs 1096), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Star of the Sea College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 12.2).
- •Star of the Sea College is the larger school with 1,204 students compared with 804.
- •Elwood College is a government school while Star of the Sea College 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 Star of the Sea College?
On the Success Index, Star of the Sea College ranks higher (82.0 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 Star of the Sea College?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Elwood and Brighton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elwood College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Star of the Sea College has 10.8.
How do Elwood College and Star of the Sea College rank in VIC?
Elwood College is 103rd of 348 and Star of the Sea College is 21st of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.