Firbank Grammar School vs St Joan of Arc 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
St Joan of Arc School
Brighton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
402 students · ICSEA 1170
| Measure | Firbank Grammar School Brighton VIC | St Joan of Arc School Brighton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 25% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #59 of 239 | #49 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #170 of 1,259 | #76 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,046 | 402 |
| Girls / boys | 977 / 69 | 205 / 197 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 53 |
| 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% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1152 | 1170 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 98th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 68% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 116.0 | 27.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 71.6 | 6.2 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Brighton 3186 | Brighton 3186 |
| Council area | Bayside (Vic.) | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.firbank.vic.edu.au | www.sjbrighton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joan of Arc School scores higher on the Success Index (83.2 vs 75.5).
- •St Joan of Arc School has the higher ICSEA (1170 vs 1152), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Firbank Grammar School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 14.5).
- •Firbank Grammar School is the larger school with 1,046 students compared with 402.
- •St Joan of Arc School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -6%).
- •Firbank Grammar School is a independent school while St Joan of Arc School is a catholic 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 Firbank Grammar School better than St Joan of Arc School?
On the Success Index, St Joan of Arc School ranks higher (83.2 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 St Joan of Arc School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Brighton and Brighton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Firbank Grammar School has 9.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joan of Arc School has 14.5.
How do Firbank Grammar School and St Joan of Arc School rank in VIC?
Firbank Grammar School is 59th of 239 and St Joan of Arc School is 49th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.