Geelong Baptist College vs St Thomas Aquinas School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 3.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Geelong Baptist College
Lovely Banks · Independent combined · Prep-12
255 students · ICSEA 1031
St Thomas Aquinas School
Norlane · Catholic primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 941
| Measure | Geelong Baptist College Lovely Banks VIC | St Thomas Aquinas School Norlane VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #153 of 239 | #1190 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #637 of 1,259 | #3896 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 255 | 149 |
| Girls / boys | 101 / 154 | 80 / 69 |
| Foundation intake | 16 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 19 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 30 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 2.2% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -25% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 941 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 19% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 7.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.7 | 20.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 13.7 | 11.0 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 14% |
| Suburb | Lovely Banks 3213 | Norlane 3214 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.geelongbc.org | www.stanorlane.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Geelong Baptist College scores higher on the Success Index (50.8 vs 33.3).
- •Geelong Baptist College has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 941), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas Aquinas School has fewer students per teacher (7.2 vs 9.5).
- •Geelong Baptist College is the larger school with 255 students compared with 149.
- •St Thomas Aquinas School has grown faster over five years (-10% vs -25%).
- •Geelong Baptist College is a independent school while St Thomas Aquinas 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 Geelong Baptist College better than St Thomas Aquinas School?
On the Success Index, Geelong Baptist College ranks higher (50.8 vs 33.3 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 Geelong Baptist College and St Thomas Aquinas School?
About 3.6 km in a straight line, between Lovely Banks and Norlane in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Geelong Baptist College has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas School has 7.2.
How do Geelong Baptist College and St Thomas Aquinas School rank in VIC?
Geelong Baptist College is 153rd of 239 and St Thomas Aquinas School is 1190th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.