Holy Spirit School vs Penders Grove Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 724 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Holy Spirit School
Thornbury · Catholic primary · Prep-6
129 students · ICSEA 1107
Penders Grove Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
160 students · ICSEA 1021
| Measure | Holy Spirit School Thornbury VIC | Penders Grove Primary School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #374 of 1,290 | #746 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #901 of 4,908 | #2225 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 129 | 160 |
| Girls / boys | 71 / 58 | 74 / 86 |
| Foundation intake | 12 | 18 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -36% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1107 | 1021 |
| ICSEA percentile | 86th | 56th |
| Top SEA quarter | 41% | 30% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 28% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 13.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.5 | 11.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| Language background other than English | 61% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 18% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hsthornburyeast.catholic.edu.au | www.pendersgroveps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit School scores higher on the Success Index (71.2 vs 56.4).
- •Holy Spirit School has the higher ICSEA (1107 vs 1021), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penders Grove Primary School is the larger school with 160 students compared with 129.
- •Penders Grove Primary School has grown faster over five years (-21% vs -36%).
- •Holy Spirit School is a catholic school while Penders Grove 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 Spirit School better than Penders Grove Primary School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit School ranks higher (71.2 vs 56.4 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 Spirit School and Penders Grove Primary School?
About 724 m in a straight line, between Thornbury and Thornbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penders Grove Primary School has 13.6.
How do Holy Spirit School and Penders Grove Primary School rank in VIC?
Holy Spirit School is 374th of 1,290 and Penders Grove Primary School is 746th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.