Garfield Primary School vs St James School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 9.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Garfield Primary School
Garfield · Government primary · Prep-6
130 students · ICSEA 996
St James School
Nar Nar Goon · Catholic primary · Prep-6
98 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | Garfield Primary School Garfield VIC | St James School Nar Nar Goon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #903 of 1,290 | #763 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2780 of 4,908 | #2283 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 130 | 98 |
| Girls / boys | 63 / 67 | 49 / 49 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 36% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 10.3 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.6 | 8.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 2.1 | 6.3 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| Suburb | Garfield 3814 | Nar Nar Goon 3812 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.garfieldps.vic.edu.au/ | www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St James School scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 48.8).
- •St James School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 996), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Garfield Primary School has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 11.4).
- •Garfield Primary School is the larger school with 130 students compared with 98.
- •Garfield Primary School has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -18%).
- •Garfield Primary School is a government school while St James 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 Garfield Primary School better than St James School?
On the Success Index, St James School ranks higher (55.6 vs 48.8 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 Garfield Primary School and St James School?
About 9.0 km in a straight line, between Garfield and Nar Nar Goon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Garfield Primary School has 10.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James School has 11.4.
How do Garfield Primary School and St James School rank in VIC?
Garfield Primary School is 903rd of 1,290 and St James School is 763rd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.