Grovedale College vs Iona College Geelong
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 2.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Grovedale College
Grovedale · Government high school · 7-12
693 students · ICSEA 996
Iona College Geelong
Charlemont · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,332 students · ICSEA 1078
| Measure | Grovedale College Grovedale VIC | Iona College Geelong Charlemont VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #222 of 348 | #69 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #763 of 1,472 | #157 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 693 | 1,332 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 384 | 630 / 702 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 148 | 305 |
| Year 12 cohort | 87 | 144 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 24 | 28 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.2% | 3.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +776% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 996 | 1078 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 27% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 36% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 10.0 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 69.5 | 101.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.2 | 76.6 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Grovedale 3216 | Charlemont 3217 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.grovedale.vic.edu.au | iona.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Iona College Geelong scores higher on the Success Index (75.5 vs 49.0).
- •Iona College Geelong has the higher ICSEA (1078 vs 996), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Grovedale College has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 13.1).
- •Iona College Geelong is the larger school with 1,332 students compared with 693.
- •Iona College Geelong has grown faster over five years (776% vs -19%).
- •Grovedale College is a government school while Iona College Geelong 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 Grovedale College better than Iona College Geelong?
On the Success Index, Iona College Geelong ranks higher (75.5 vs 49.0 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 Grovedale College and Iona College Geelong?
About 2.6 km in a straight line, between Grovedale and Charlemont in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Grovedale College has 10.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Iona College Geelong has 13.1.
How do Grovedale College and Iona College Geelong rank in VIC?
Grovedale College is 222nd of 348 and Iona College Geelong is 69th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.