Geelong South Primary School vs St Margaret's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Geelong South Primary School
South Geelong · Government primary · Prep-6
326 students · ICSEA 1088
St Margaret's School
East Geelong · Catholic primary · Prep-6
241 students · ICSEA 1063
| Measure | Geelong South Primary School South Geelong VIC | St Margaret's School East Geelong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 63 Top 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #585 of 1,290 | #411 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1642 of 4,908 | #1030 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 326 | 241 |
| Girls / boys | 152 / 174 | 111 / 130 |
| Foundation intake | 47 | 36 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 34 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 17.1% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1088 | 1063 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 73th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 11% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 16.1 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.2 | 19.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.5 | 12.1 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | South Geelong 3220 | East Geelong 3219 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gsps.vic.edu.au | www.smgeelongeast.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Margaret's School scores higher on the Success Index (69.8 vs 63.0).
- •Geelong South Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1088 vs 1063), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Margaret's School has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 16.1).
- •Geelong South Primary School is the larger school with 326 students compared with 241.
- •St Margaret's School has grown faster over five years (8% vs -8%).
- •Geelong South Primary School is a government school while St Margaret's 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 South Primary School better than St Margaret's School?
On the Success Index, St Margaret's School ranks higher (69.8 vs 63.0 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 South Primary School and St Margaret's School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between South Geelong and East Geelong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Geelong South Primary School has 16.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Margaret's School has 12.3.
How do Geelong South Primary School and St Margaret's School rank in VIC?
Geelong South Primary School is 585th of 1,290 and St Margaret's School is 411th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.