John Henry Primary School vs Pakenham Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two 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 Secondary College
Pakenham · Government high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 962
| Measure | John Henry Primary School Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #813 of 1,290 | #282 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2447 of 4,908 | #963 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 981 | 1,030 |
| Girls / boys | 447 / 534 | 476 / 554 |
| Foundation intake | 108 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 246 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 26 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +12% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 962 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 62.3 | 84.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 38.6 |
| Language background other than English | 49% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | jhps.vic.edu.au/ | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •John Henry Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (53.5 vs 39.7).
- •John Henry Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1020 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 15.7).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 981.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has grown faster over five years (33% vs 12%).
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 Secondary College?
On the Success Index, John Henry Primary School ranks higher (53.5 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 Henry Primary School and Pakenham Secondary College?
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 Secondary College has 12.2.
How do John Henry Primary School and Pakenham Secondary College rank in VIC?
John Henry Primary School is 813th of 1,290 and Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.