Immaculate Heart of Mary School vs Lowanna College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Newborough · Catholic primary · Prep-6
266 students · ICSEA 1006
Lowanna College
Newborough · Government high school · 7-12
1,073 students · ICSEA 954
| Measure | Immaculate Heart of Mary School Newborough VIC | Lowanna College Newborough VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #842 of 1,290 | #313 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2589 of 4,908 | #1114 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 266 | 1,073 |
| Girls / boys | 132 / 134 | 484 / 589 |
| Foundation intake | 44 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 213 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 118 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 24 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 1% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +48% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1006 | 954 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 17.6 | 71.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.7 | 59.5 |
| Language background other than English | 0% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 7% |
| Suburb | Newborough 3825 | Newborough 3825 |
| Council area | Latrobe (Vic.) | Latrobe (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stmnewbor.catholic.edu.au | www.lowanna.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Immaculate Heart of Mary School scores higher on the Success Index (51.4 vs 33.0).
- •Immaculate Heart of Mary School has the higher ICSEA (1006 vs 954), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lowanna College is the larger school with 1,073 students compared with 266.
- •Immaculate Heart of Mary School has grown faster over five years (48% vs 24%).
- •Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a catholic school while Lowanna College 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 Immaculate Heart of Mary School better than Lowanna College?
On the Success Index, Immaculate Heart of Mary School ranks higher (51.4 vs 33.0 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 Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Lowanna College?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Newborough and Newborough in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Immaculate Heart of Mary School has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lowanna College has 15.1.
How do Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Lowanna College rank in VIC?
Immaculate Heart of Mary School is 842nd of 1,290 and Lowanna College is 313th of 348 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.