Gippsland Grammar vs St Thomas' School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gippsland Grammar
Sale · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,039 students · ICSEA 1096
St Thomas' School
Sale · Catholic primary · Prep-6
289 students · ICSEA 1039
| Measure | Gippsland Grammar Sale VIC | St Thomas' School Sale VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 64 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #111 of 239 | #704 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #389 of 1,259 | #2090 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,039 | 289 |
| Girls / boys | 529 / 510 | 153 / 136 |
| Foundation intake | 57 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | 105 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 73 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 30 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5.9% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1096 | 1039 |
| ICSEA percentile | 83th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 6% | 19% |
| Students per teacher | 13.2 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.6 | 20.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 61.9 | 9.9 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Sale 3850 | Sale 3850 |
| Council area | Wellington | Wellington |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.gippslandgs.vic.edu.au | www.sttsale.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Gippsland Grammar scores higher on the Success Index (64.1 vs 58.0).
- •Gippsland Grammar has the higher ICSEA (1096 vs 1039), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Gippsland Grammar has fewer students per teacher (13.2 vs 14.0).
- •Gippsland Grammar is the larger school with 1,039 students compared with 289.
- •Gippsland Grammar has grown faster over five years (3% vs -8%).
- •Gippsland Grammar is a independent school while St Thomas' 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 Gippsland Grammar better than St Thomas' School?
On the Success Index, Gippsland Grammar ranks higher (64.1 vs 58.0 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 Gippsland Grammar and St Thomas' School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Sale and Sale in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gippsland Grammar has 13.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas' School has 14.0.
How do Gippsland Grammar and St Thomas' School rank in VIC?
Gippsland Grammar is 111th of 239 and St Thomas' School is 704th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.