Golden Square Primary School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Golden Square Primary School
Golden Square · Government primary · Prep-6
262 students · ICSEA 967
St Joseph's School
Quarry Hill · Catholic primary · Prep-6
234 students · ICSEA 1064
| Measure | Golden Square Primary School Golden Square VIC | St Joseph's School Quarry Hill VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 36 Lower 50% | 63 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1144 of 1,290 | #594 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3685 of 4,908 | #1692 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 262 | 234 |
| Girls / boys | 143 / 119 | 104 / 130 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | 33 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -34% | -7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 967 | 1064 |
| ICSEA percentile | 32th | 73th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 24% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 44% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.8 | 16.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.4 | 7.1 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 9% | 1% |
| Suburb | Golden Square 3555 | Quarry Hill 3550 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Greater Bendigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.gsquareps.vic.edu.au/ | www.sjquarryhill.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (62.6 vs 36.3).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1064 vs 967), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Golden Square Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 14.4).
- •Golden Square Primary School is the larger school with 262 students compared with 234.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (-7% vs -34%).
- •Golden Square Primary School is a government school while St Joseph'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 Golden Square Primary School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (62.6 vs 36.3 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 Golden Square Primary School and St Joseph's School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Golden Square and Quarry Hill in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Golden Square Primary School has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 14.4.
How do Golden Square Primary School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Golden Square Primary School is 1144th of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is 594th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.