Emerald Secondary College vs Sunbury Downs Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 76 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
Sunbury Downs Secondary College
Sunbury · Government high school · 7-12
789 students · ICSEA 1005
| Measure | Emerald Secondary College Emerald VIC | Sunbury Downs Secondary College Sunbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #242 of 348 | #193 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #845 of 1,472 | #656 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 620 | 789 |
| Girls / boys | 311 / 309 | 372 / 417 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 113 | 178 |
| Year 12 cohort | 93 | 77 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 28 | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.4% | 1.9% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | +20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1005 | 1005 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 49th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 32% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 12.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 50.3 | 62.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 22.6 | 29.9 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Emerald 3782 | Sunbury 3429 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Hume |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.emeraldsc.vic.edu.au/ | www.sunburydowns.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Sunbury Downs Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (54.0 vs 45.1).
- •Sunbury Downs Secondary College is the larger school with 789 students compared with 620.
- •Sunbury Downs Secondary College has grown faster over five years (20% vs -13%).
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 Sunbury Downs Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Sunbury Downs Secondary College ranks higher (54.0 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 Sunbury Downs Secondary College?
About 76 km in a straight line, between Emerald and Sunbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emerald Secondary College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunbury Downs Secondary College has 12.6.
How do Emerald Secondary College and Sunbury Downs Secondary College rank in VIC?
Emerald Secondary College is 242nd of 348 and Sunbury Downs Secondary College is 193rd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.