Hume Central Secondary College vs Penola Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 996 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Hume Central Secondary College
Broadmeadows · Government high school · 7-12
1,093 students · ICSEA 900
Penola Catholic College
Broadmeadows · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Hume Central Secondary College Broadmeadows VIC | Penola Catholic College Broadmeadows VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 29 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #321 of 348 | #154 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1203 of 1,472 | #498 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,093 | 1,373 |
| Girls / boys | 465 / 628 | 612 / 761 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 189 | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | 131 | 239 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 27 | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.8% | 1.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 900 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 11th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 72% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 120.5 | 152.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 73.2 | 75.4 |
| Language background other than English | 82% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 1% |
| Suburb | Broadmeadows 3047 | Broadmeadows 3047 |
| Council area | Hume | Hume |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.humecentralsc.vic.edu.au | www.penola.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 29.1).
- •Penola Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 900), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Catholic College is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 1,093.
- •Hume Central Secondary College is a government school while Penola Catholic College 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 Hume Central Secondary College better than Penola Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College ranks higher (60.7 vs 29.1 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 Hume Central Secondary College and Penola Catholic College?
About 996 m in a straight line, between Broadmeadows and Broadmeadows in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Hume Central Secondary College has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Catholic College has 9.0.
How do Hume Central Secondary College and Penola Catholic College rank in VIC?
Hume Central Secondary College is 321st of 348 and Penola Catholic College is 154th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.