Lilydale High School vs Mount Lilydale Mercy College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lilydale High School
Lilydale · Government high school · 7-12
1,424 students · ICSEA 1013
Mount Lilydale Mercy College
Lilydale · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,550 students · ICSEA 1045
| Measure | Lilydale High School Lilydale VIC | Mount Lilydale Mercy College Lilydale VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #211 of 348 | #132 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #720 of 1,472 | #396 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,424 | 1,550 |
| Girls / boys | 632 / 792 | 787 / 763 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 274 | 284 |
| Year 12 cohort | 148 | 207 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | 28 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 0.9% | 1.9% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1013 | 1045 |
| ICSEA percentile | 53th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 29% | 17% |
| Students per teacher | 12.6 | 12.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 112.5 | 125.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.1 | 67.6 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Lilydale 3140 | Lilydale 3140 |
| Council area | Yarra Ranges | Yarra Ranges |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | lilydalehs.vic.edu.au/ | www.mlmc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mount Lilydale Mercy College scores higher on the Success Index (65.3 vs 51.0).
- •Mount Lilydale Mercy College has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1013), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Lilydale Mercy College is the larger school with 1,550 students compared with 1,424.
- •Mount Lilydale Mercy College has grown faster over five years (5% vs -8%).
- •Lilydale High School is a government school while Mount Lilydale Mercy 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.
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 Springvale
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilydale High School better than Mount Lilydale Mercy College?
On the Success Index, Mount Lilydale Mercy College ranks higher (65.3 vs 51.0 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 Lilydale High School and Mount Lilydale Mercy College?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Lilydale and Lilydale in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lilydale High School has 12.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mount Lilydale Mercy College has 12.4.
How do Lilydale High School and Mount Lilydale Mercy College rank in VIC?
Lilydale High School is 211th of 348 and Mount Lilydale Mercy College is 132nd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.