Fernbrook School vs Muhammadiyah Australia College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Victoria, 85 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fernbrook School
The Basin · Independent combined · Prep-10
78 students · ICSEA 1049
Muhammadiyah Australia College
Melton · Independent combined · Prep-9
182 students · ICSEA 1052
| Measure | Fernbrook School The Basin VIC | Muhammadiyah Australia College Melton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #150 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | – | #611 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-10 | Prep-9 |
| Students | 78 | 182 |
| Girls / boys | 39 / 39 | 96 / 86 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 17 |
| Year 7 cohort | 13 | 19 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +271% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1049 | 1052 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 19% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 15% |
| Students per teacher | 9.8 | 15.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.0 | 11.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.1 | 13.6 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 95% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 0% |
| Suburb | The Basin 3154 | Melton 3337 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Melton |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.fernbrook.com.au/ | macollege.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Fernbrook School scores higher on the Success Index (57.5 vs 52.0).
- •Muhammadiyah Australia College has the higher ICSEA (1052 vs 1049), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Fernbrook School has fewer students per teacher (9.8 vs 15.4).
- •Muhammadiyah Australia College is the larger school with 182 students compared with 78.
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 Fernbrook School better than Muhammadiyah Australia College?
On the Success Index, Fernbrook School ranks higher (57.5 vs 52.0 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 Fernbrook School and Muhammadiyah Australia College?
About 85 km in a straight line, between The Basin and Melton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fernbrook School has 9.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Muhammadiyah Australia College has 15.4.
How do Fernbrook School and Muhammadiyah Australia College rank in VIC?
Fernbrook School is unranked and Muhammadiyah Australia College is 150th of 239 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.