Emerald Secondary College vs Fernbrook School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 5.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emerald Secondary College
Emerald · Government high school · 7-12
620 students · ICSEA 1005
Fernbrook School
The Basin · Independent combined · Prep-10
78 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Emerald Secondary College Emerald VIC | Fernbrook School The Basin VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #242 of 348 | – |
| National rank (type) | #845 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-10 |
| Students | 620 | 78 |
| Girls / boys | 311 / 309 | 39 / 39 |
| Foundation intake | – | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | 113 | 13 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 28 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.4% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +271% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1005 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 9.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 50.3 | 8.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.6 | 8.1 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 5% |
| Suburb | Emerald 3782 | The Basin 3154 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.emeraldsc.vic.edu.au/ | www.fernbrook.com.au/ |
The verdict
- •Fernbrook School scores higher on the Success Index (57.5 vs 45.1).
- •Fernbrook School has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 1005), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fernbrook School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 12.3).
- •Emerald Secondary College is the larger school with 620 students compared with 78.
- •Fernbrook School has grown faster over five years (271% vs -13%).
- •Emerald Secondary College is a government school while Fernbrook School is an independent 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 Emerald Secondary College better than Fernbrook School?
On the Success Index, Fernbrook School ranks higher (57.5 vs 45.1 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 Emerald Secondary College and Fernbrook School?
About 5.2 km in a straight line, between Emerald and The Basin in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emerald Secondary College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Fernbrook School has 9.8.
How do Emerald Secondary College and Fernbrook School rank in VIC?
Emerald Secondary College is 242nd of 348 and Fernbrook School is unranked among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.