Emmanuel College Warrnambool vs Merri River School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Emmanuel College Warrnambool
Warrnambool · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,340 students · ICSEA 1064
Merri River School
Warrnambool · Government special · U
189 students · ICSEA 921
| Measure | Emmanuel College Warrnambool Warrnambool VIC | Merri River School Warrnambool VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #91 of 348 | – |
| National rank (type) | #233 of 1,472 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Special |
| Year range | 7-12 | U |
| Students | 1,340 | 189 |
| Girls / boys | 655 / 685 | 63 / 126 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 255 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 190 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1064 | 921 |
| ICSEA percentile | 73th | 15th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 58% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 5.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 108.2 | 35.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.9 | 38.7 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 16% |
| Suburb | Warrnambool 3280 | Warrnambool 3280 |
| Council area | Warrnambool | Warrnambool |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.emmanuel.vic.edu.au/ | merrirs.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Emmanuel College Warrnambool has the higher ICSEA (1064 vs 921), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merri River School has fewer students per teacher (5.2 vs 12.3).
- •Emmanuel College Warrnambool is the larger school with 1,340 students compared with 189.
- •Emmanuel College Warrnambool is a catholic school while Merri River School is a government 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 Emmanuel College Warrnambool better than Merri River School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Emmanuel College Warrnambool and Merri River School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Warrnambool and Warrnambool in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Emmanuel College Warrnambool has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merri River School has 5.2.
How do Emmanuel College Warrnambool and Merri River School rank in VIC?
Emmanuel College Warrnambool is 91st of 348 and Merri River School is unranked among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.