Geelong Grammar School vs St Thomas Aquinas School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 4.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Geelong Grammar School
Corio · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,422 students · ICSEA 1149
St Thomas Aquinas School
Norlane · Catholic primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 941
| Measure | Geelong Grammar School Corio VIC | St Thomas Aquinas School Norlane VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 10% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #51 of 239 | #1190 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #131 of 1,259 | #3896 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,422 | 149 |
| Girls / boys | 614 / 808 | 80 / 69 |
| Foundation intake | 49 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 86 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 211 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 32 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 10.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1149 | 941 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 178.2 | 20.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 176.8 | 11.0 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 14% |
| Suburb | Corio 3214 | Norlane 3214 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ggs.vic.edu.au | www.stanorlane.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Geelong Grammar School scores higher on the Success Index (78.5 vs 33.3).
- •Geelong Grammar School has the higher ICSEA (1149 vs 941), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas Aquinas School has fewer students per teacher (7.2 vs 8.0).
- •Geelong Grammar School is the larger school with 1,422 students compared with 149.
- •Geelong Grammar School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -10%).
- •Geelong Grammar School 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 Grammar School better than St Thomas Aquinas School?
On the Success Index, Geelong Grammar School ranks higher (78.5 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 Grammar School and St Thomas Aquinas School?
About 4.3 km in a straight line, between Corio and Norlane in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Geelong Grammar School has 8.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas School has 7.2.
How do Geelong Grammar School and St Thomas Aquinas School rank in VIC?
Geelong Grammar School is 51st of 239 and St Thomas Aquinas School is 1190th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.