Elwood Primary School vs St Columba's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 646 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Elwood Primary School
Elwood · Government primary · Prep-6
618 students · ICSEA 1131
St Columba's School
Elwood · Catholic primary · Prep-6
137 students · ICSEA 1152
| Measure | Elwood Primary School Elwood VIC | St Columba's School Elwood VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 84 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #353 of 1,290 | #35 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #821 of 4,908 | #59 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 618 | 137 |
| Girls / boys | 297 / 321 | 66 / 71 |
| Foundation intake | 82 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1131 | 1152 |
| ICSEA percentile | 91th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 53% | 60% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 15.5 | 10.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 39.7 | 13.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 5.4 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Elwood 3184 | Elwood 3184 |
| Council area | Port Phillip | Port Phillip |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.elwoodprimary.vic.edu.au | www.stcolumbasprimary.org |
The verdict
- •St Columba's School scores higher on the Success Index (83.8 vs 72.0).
- •St Columba's School has the higher ICSEA (1152 vs 1131), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Columba's School has fewer students per teacher (10.1 vs 15.5).
- •Elwood Primary School is the larger school with 618 students compared with 137.
- •St Columba's School has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -18%).
- •Elwood Primary School 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 Primary School better than St Columba's School?
On the Success Index, St Columba's School ranks higher (83.8 vs 72.0 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 Primary School and St Columba's School?
About 646 m in a straight line, between Elwood and Elwood in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Elwood Primary School has 15.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba's School has 10.1.
How do Elwood Primary School and St Columba's School rank in VIC?
Elwood Primary School is 353rd of 1,290 and St Columba's School is 35th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.