John Henry Primary School vs Lakeside College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
John Henry Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
981 students · ICSEA 1020
Lakeside College
Pakenham · Independent combined · Prep-12
647 students · ICSEA 1034
| Measure | John Henry Primary School Pakenham VIC | Lakeside College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #813 of 1,290 | #148 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #2447 of 4,908 | #604 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 981 | 647 |
| Girls / boys | 447 / 534 | 353 / 294 |
| Foundation intake | 108 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 74 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 38 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +59% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 1034 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.3 | 50.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 17.7 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 47% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jhps.vic.edu.au/ | www.lakeside.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •John Henry Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (53.5 vs 52.3).
- •Lakeside College has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lakeside College has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 15.7).
- •John Henry Primary School is the larger school with 981 students compared with 647.
- •Lakeside College has grown faster over five years (59% vs 12%).
- •John Henry Primary School is a government school while Lakeside College is an independent 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 John Henry Primary School better than Lakeside College?
On the Success Index, John Henry Primary School ranks higher (53.5 vs 52.3 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 Henry Primary School and Lakeside College?
About 2.1 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
John Henry Primary School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lakeside College has 12.9.
How do John Henry Primary School and Lakeside College rank in VIC?
John Henry Primary School is 813th of 1,290 and Lakeside College is 148th of 239 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.