Firbank Grammar School vs Gardenvale Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Firbank Grammar School
Brighton · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,046 students · ICSEA 1152
Gardenvale Primary School
Brighton East · Government primary · Prep-6
617 students · ICSEA 1164
| Measure | Firbank Grammar School Brighton VIC | Gardenvale Primary School Brighton East VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #59 of 239 | #212 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #170 of 1,259 | #425 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,046 | 617 |
| Girls / boys | 977 / 69 | 315 / 302 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 95 |
| Year 7 cohort | 125 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 123 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 34 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 23% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1152 | 1164 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 67% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 17.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.0 | 35.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.6 | 13.6 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Brighton 3186 | Brighton East 3187 |
| Council area | Bayside (Vic.) | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.firbank.vic.edu.au | www.gardenvaleps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Gardenvale Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (76.6 vs 75.5).
- •Gardenvale Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1164 vs 1152), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Firbank Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 17.2).
- •Firbank Grammar School is the larger school with 1,046 students compared with 617.
- •Firbank Grammar School is a independent school while Gardenvale Primary 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Bayside
Frequently asked questions
Is Firbank Grammar School better than Gardenvale Primary School?
On the Success Index, Gardenvale Primary School ranks higher (76.6 vs 75.5 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 Firbank Grammar School and Gardenvale Primary School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton East in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Firbank Grammar School has 9.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Gardenvale Primary School has 17.2.
How do Firbank Grammar School and Gardenvale Primary School rank in VIC?
Firbank Grammar School is 59th of 239 and Gardenvale Primary School is 212th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.