Lalor Gardens Primary School vs Merriang School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lalor Gardens Primary School
Lalor · Government primary · Prep-6
408 students · ICSEA 981
Merriang School
Lalor · Government special · U
129 students · ICSEA 1006
| Measure | Lalor Gardens Primary School Lalor VIC | Merriang School Lalor VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | – Not rated |
| State rank (type) | #1002 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #3150 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Special |
| Year range | Prep-6 | U |
| Students | 408 | 129 |
| Girls / boys | 201 / 207 | 36 / 93 |
| Foundation intake | 56 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | +23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 981 | 1006 |
| ICSEA percentile | 38th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 44% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 4.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 31.1 | 27.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.8 | 28.8 |
| Language background other than English | 71% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Lalor 3075 | Lalor 3075 |
| Council area | Whittlesea | Whittlesea |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.lalorgardensps.vic.edu.au/ | www.merriangsds.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Merriang School has the higher ICSEA (1006 vs 981), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merriang School has fewer students per teacher (4.7 vs 13.1).
- •Lalor Gardens Primary School is the larger school with 408 students compared with 129.
- •Merriang School has grown faster over five years (23% vs -1%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Coolaroo
Frequently asked questions
Is Lalor Gardens Primary School better than Merriang School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Lalor Gardens Primary School and Merriang School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Lalor and Lalor in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lalor Gardens Primary School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Merriang School has 4.7.
How do Lalor Gardens Primary School and Merriang School rank in VIC?
Lalor Gardens Primary School is 1002nd of 1,290 and Merriang School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.