Good News Lutheran College vs St James the Apostle School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Good News Lutheran College
Tarneit · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,872 students · ICSEA 1116
St James the Apostle School
Hoppers Crossing · Catholic primary · Prep-6
387 students · ICSEA 1037
| Measure | Good News Lutheran College Tarneit VIC | St James the Apostle School Hoppers Crossing VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #78 of 239 | #598 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #243 of 1,259 | #1713 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,872 | 387 |
| Girls / boys | 916 / 956 | 188 / 199 |
| Foundation intake | 207 | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 135 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 109 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 5.9% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +69% | -20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1116 | 1037 |
| ICSEA percentile | 88th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 115.2 | 33.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 51.8 | 13.7 |
| Language background other than English | 77% | 62% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 2% |
| Suburb | Tarneit 3029 | Hoppers Crossing 3029 |
| Council area | Wyndham | Wyndham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.goodnews.vic.edu.au | www.sjhcn.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Good News Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (71.0 vs 62.3).
- •Good News Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1116 vs 1037), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St James the Apostle School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 16.3).
- •Good News Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,872 students compared with 387.
- •Good News Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (69% vs -20%).
- •Good News Lutheran College is a independent school while St James the Apostle 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 Good News Lutheran College better than St James the Apostle School?
On the Success Index, Good News Lutheran College ranks higher (71.0 vs 62.3 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 Good News Lutheran College and St James the Apostle School?
About 1.9 km in a straight line, between Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Good News Lutheran College has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James the Apostle School has 11.5.
How do Good News Lutheran College and St James the Apostle School rank in VIC?
Good News Lutheran College is 78th of 239 and St James the Apostle School is 598th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.