Lakeside College vs Pakenham Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lakeside College
Pakenham · Independent combined · Prep-12
647 students · ICSEA 1034
Pakenham Secondary College
Pakenham · Government high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 962
| Measure | Lakeside College Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 52 Top 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #148 of 239 | #282 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #604 of 1,259 | #963 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 647 | 1,030 |
| Girls / boys | 353 / 294 | 476 / 554 |
| Foundation intake | 48 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 74 | 246 |
| Year 12 cohort | 38 | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 26 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +59% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1034 | 962 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 23% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 50.1 | 84.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.7 | 38.6 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.lakeside.vic.edu.au | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Lakeside College scores higher on the Success Index (52.3 vs 39.7).
- •Lakeside College has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 12.9).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 647.
- •Lakeside College has grown faster over five years (59% vs 33%).
- •Lakeside College is a independent school while Pakenham Secondary College is a government 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 Lakeside College better than Pakenham Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Lakeside College ranks higher (52.3 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 Lakeside College and Pakenham Secondary College?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lakeside College has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pakenham Secondary College has 12.2.
How do Lakeside College and Pakenham Secondary College rank in VIC?
Lakeside College is 148th of 239 and Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.