Lightning Reef Primary School vs St Peter's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 887 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lightning Reef Primary School
Bendigo · Government primary · Prep-6
165 students · ICSEA 858
St Peter's School
North Bendigo · Catholic primary · Prep-6
132 students · ICSEA 979
| Measure | Lightning Reef Primary School Bendigo VIC | St Peter's School North Bendigo VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 50 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1266 of 1,290 | #879 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #4440 of 4,908 | #2705 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 165 | 132 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 91 | 60 / 72 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 20 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 858 | 979 |
| ICSEA percentile | 5th | 37th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 79% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 8.9 | 5.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 18.5 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.4 | 16.7 |
| Language background other than English | 43% | 34% |
| Indigenous students | 12% | 20% |
| Suburb | Bendigo 3550 | North Bendigo 3550 |
| Council area | Greater Bendigo | Greater Bendigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.lightningreefps.vic.edu.au/ | www.spbendigo.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Peter's School scores higher on the Success Index (49.8 vs 25.9).
- •St Peter's School has the higher ICSEA (979 vs 858), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Peter's School has fewer students per teacher (5.9 vs 8.9).
- •Lightning Reef Primary School is the larger school with 165 students compared with 132.
- •St Peter's School has grown faster over five years (18% vs -8%).
- •Lightning Reef Primary School is a government school while St Peter's School 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 Lightning Reef Primary School better than St Peter's School?
On the Success Index, St Peter's School ranks higher (49.8 vs 25.9 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 Lightning Reef Primary School and St Peter's School?
About 887 m in a straight line, between Bendigo and North Bendigo in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lightning Reef Primary School has 8.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Peter's School has 5.9.
How do Lightning Reef Primary School and St Peter's School rank in VIC?
Lightning Reef Primary School is 1266th of 1,290 and St Peter's School is 879th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.