Holy Spirit School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 15 km 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
St Mary's School
Williamstown · Catholic primary · Prep-6
263 students · ICSEA 1107
| Measure | Holy Spirit School Thornbury VIC | St Mary's School Williamstown VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 66 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #374 of 1,290 | #507 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #901 of 4,908 | #1398 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 129 | 263 |
| Girls / boys | 71 / 58 | 131 / 132 |
| Foundation intake | 12 | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -36% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1107 | 1107 |
| ICSEA percentile | 86th | 86th |
| Top SEA quarter | 41% | 40% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.5 | 18.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.4 | 7.2 |
| Language background other than English | 61% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Williamstown 3016 |
| Council area | Darebin | Hobsons Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.hsthornburyeast.catholic.edu.au | www.smwilliamstown.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Holy Spirit School scores higher on the Success Index (71.2 vs 65.8).
- •Holy Spirit School has fewer students per teacher (13.6 vs 14.5).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 263 students compared with 129.
- •St Mary's School has grown faster over five years (-22% vs -36%).
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 St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, Holy Spirit School ranks higher (71.2 vs 65.8 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 St Mary's School?
About 15 km in a straight line, between Thornbury and Williamstown in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Holy Spirit School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 14.5.
How do Holy Spirit School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Holy Spirit School is 374th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 507th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.