Holy Family School vs St Mary'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.
Holy Family School
Doveton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
109 students · ICSEA 975
St Mary's School
Dandenong · Catholic primary · Prep-6
154 students · ICSEA 993
| Measure | Holy Family School Doveton VIC | St Mary's School Dandenong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 49 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1048 of 1,290 | #906 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3312 of 4,908 | #2798 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 109 | 154 |
| Girls / boys | 54 / 55 | 78 / 76 |
| Foundation intake | 21 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 975 | 993 |
| ICSEA percentile | 35th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 47% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 10.7 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.2 | 14.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.2 | 10.4 |
| Language background other than English | 86% | 75% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Doveton 3177 | Dandenong 3175 |
| Council area | Casey | Greater Dandenong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hfdoveton.catholic.edu.au | www.smdandenong.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (48.6 vs 41.6).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (993 vs 975), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 154 students compared with 109.
- •Holy Family School has grown faster over five years (0% vs -23%).
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 Holy Family School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (48.6 vs 41.6 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 Holy Family School and St Mary's School?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Doveton and Dandenong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Family School has 10.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 10.4.
How do Holy Family School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Holy Family School is 1048th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 906th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.