Holy Rosary School vs Lightning Reef Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 4.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Rosary School
White Hills · Catholic primary · Prep-6
295 students · ICSEA 1052
Lightning Reef Primary School
Bendigo · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 858
| Measure | Holy Rosary School White Hills VIC | Lightning Reef Primary School Bendigo VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 26 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #488 of 1,290 | #1266 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1332 of 4,908 | #4440 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 295 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 164 / 131 | 74 / 91 |
| Foundation intake | 44 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1052 | 858 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 5th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 15% | 79% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 8.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.6 | 18.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 9.4 |
| Language background other than English | 12% | 43% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 12% |
| Suburb | White Hills 3550 | Bendigo 3550 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Greater Bendigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.hrwhitehills.catholic.edu.au | www.lightningreefps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Holy Rosary School scores higher on the Success Index (66.5 vs 25.9).
- •Holy Rosary School has the higher ICSEA (1052 vs 858), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lightning Reef Primary School has fewer students per teacher (8.9 vs 13.1).
- •Holy Rosary School is the larger school with 295 students compared with 165.
- •Holy Rosary School is a catholic school while Lightning Reef Primary School is a government 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 Holy Rosary School better than Lightning Reef Primary School?
On the Success Index, Holy Rosary School ranks higher (66.5 vs 25.9 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 Rosary School and Lightning Reef Primary School?
About 4.0 km in a straight line, between White Hills and Bendigo in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Rosary School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lightning Reef Primary School has 8.9.
How do Holy Rosary School and Lightning Reef Primary School rank in VIC?
Holy Rosary School is 488th of 1,290 and Lightning Reef Primary School is 1266th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.