Jacana School for Autism vs Penola Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 540 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Jacana School for Autism
Jacana · Government special · U
228 students · ICSEA 1005
Penola Catholic College
Broadmeadows · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Jacana School for Autism Jacana VIC | Penola Catholic College Broadmeadows VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | – Not rated | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #154 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | – | #498 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Special | Secondary |
| Year range | U | 7-12 |
| Students | 228 | 1,373 |
| Girls / boys | 45 / 183 | 612 / 761 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 239 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 1.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1005 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 49th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 16% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 34% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 5.1 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 43.9 | 152.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 64.9 | 75.4 |
| Language background other than English | 60% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Jacana 3047 | Broadmeadows 3047 |
| Council area | Hume | Hume |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.jacanaschoolforautism.vic.edu.au/ | www.penola.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Jacana School for Autism has the higher ICSEA (1005 vs 1000), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Jacana School for Autism has fewer students per teacher (5.1 vs 9.0).
- •Penola Catholic College is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 228.
- •Jacana School for Autism has grown faster over five years (2% vs -6%).
- •Jacana School for Autism 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Coolaroo
Frequently asked questions
Is Jacana School for Autism better than Penola Catholic College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Jacana School for Autism and Penola Catholic College?
About 540 m in a straight line, between Jacana and Broadmeadows in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Jacana School for Autism has 5.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Catholic College has 9.0.
How do Jacana School for Autism and Penola Catholic College rank in VIC?
Jacana School for Autism is unranked and Penola Catholic College is 154th of 348 among special schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.