John Henry Primary School vs Pakenham Lakeside Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 2.2 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
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
704 students · ICSEA 1007
| Measure | John Henry Primary School Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Lakeside Primary School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #813 of 1,290 | #988 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2447 of 4,908 | #3091 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 981 | 704 |
| Girls / boys | 447 / 534 | 360 / 344 |
| Foundation intake | 108 | 96 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | -16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 1007 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 33% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 14.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.3 | 48.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 21.0 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jhps.vic.edu.au/ | www.plps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •John Henry Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (53.5 vs 44.9).
- •John Henry Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 1007), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Lakeside Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.5 vs 15.7).
- •John Henry Primary School is the larger school with 981 students compared with 704.
- •John Henry Primary School has grown faster over five years (12% vs -16%).
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 Pakenham Lakeside Primary School?
On the Success Index, John Henry Primary School ranks higher (53.5 vs 44.9 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 Pakenham Lakeside Primary School?
About 2.2 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 Pakenham Lakeside Primary School has 14.5.
How do John Henry Primary School and Pakenham Lakeside Primary School rank in VIC?
John Henry Primary School is 813th of 1,290 and Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is 988th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.