Kurnai College vs Lavalla Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 7.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Kurnai College
Morwell · Government high school · 7-12
1,302 students · ICSEA 917
Lavalla Catholic College
Traralgon · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,358 students · ICSEA 1028
| Measure | Kurnai College Morwell VIC | Lavalla Catholic College Traralgon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #332 of 348 | #195 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1274 of 1,472 | #665 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,302 | 1,358 |
| Girls / boys | 663 / 639 | 712 / 646 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 248 | 257 |
| Year 12 cohort | 160 | 166 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 25 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3% | 2.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +14% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 917 | 1028 |
| ICSEA percentile | 14th | 59th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 63% | 23% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 117.4 | 106.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 95.9 | 69.1 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 1% |
| Suburb | Morwell 3840 | Traralgon 3844 |
| Council area | Latrobe (Vic.) | Latrobe (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.kurnaicollege.vic.edu.au/ | www.lavalla.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Lavalla Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (53.6 vs 26.5).
- •Lavalla Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1028 vs 917), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kurnai College has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 12.7).
- •Lavalla Catholic College is the larger school with 1,358 students compared with 1,302.
- •Kurnai College has grown faster over five years (20% vs 14%).
- •Kurnai College is a government school while Lavalla 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kurnai College better than Lavalla Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Lavalla Catholic College ranks higher (53.6 vs 26.5 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 Kurnai College and Lavalla Catholic College?
About 7.8 km in a straight line, between Morwell and Traralgon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Kurnai College has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lavalla Catholic College has 12.7.
How do Kurnai College and Lavalla Catholic College rank in VIC?
Kurnai College is 332nd of 348 and Lavalla Catholic College is 195th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.