John Fawkner Secondary College vs William Ruthven Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
John Fawkner Secondary College
Fawkner · Government high school · 7-12
234 students · ICSEA 958
William Ruthven Secondary College
Reservoir · Government high school · 7-12
478 students · ICSEA 977
| Measure | John Fawkner Secondary College Fawkner VIC | William Ruthven Secondary College Reservoir VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 53 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #281 of 348 | #200 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #962 of 1,472 | #676 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 234 | 478 |
| Girls / boys | 78 / 156 | 213 / 265 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 35 | 84 |
| Year 12 cohort | 40 | 65 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 22 | 24 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.7% | 1.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -31% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 958 | 977 |
| ICSEA percentile | 28th | 36th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 43% |
| Students per teacher | 7.9 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.5 | 41.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.8 | 20.4 |
| Language background other than English | 77% | 56% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| Suburb | Fawkner 3060 | Reservoir 3073 |
| Council area | Merri-bek | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.jfc.vic.edu.au/ | www.williamruthvensc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •William Ruthven Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (53.1 vs 39.7).
- •William Ruthven Secondary College has the higher ICSEA (977 vs 958), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •John Fawkner Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (7.9 vs 11.4).
- •William Ruthven Secondary College is the larger school with 478 students compared with 234.
- •William Ruthven Secondary College has grown faster over five years (21% vs -31%).
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 John Fawkner Secondary College better than William Ruthven Secondary College?
On the Success Index, William Ruthven Secondary College ranks higher (53.1 vs 39.7 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 John Fawkner Secondary College and William Ruthven Secondary College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Fawkner and Reservoir in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
John Fawkner Secondary College has 7.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and William Ruthven Secondary College has 11.4.
How do John Fawkner Secondary College and William Ruthven Secondary College rank in VIC?
John Fawkner Secondary College is 281st of 348 and William Ruthven Secondary College is 200th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.