Lindenow Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 12 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lindenow Primary School
Lindenow · Government primary · Prep-6
122 students · ICSEA 984
St Mary's School
Bairnsdale · Catholic primary · Prep-6
473 students · ICSEA 1024
| Measure | Lindenow Primary School Lindenow VIC | St Mary's School Bairnsdale VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 42 Lower 50% | 48 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1051 of 1,290 | #911 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3321 of 4,908 | #2811 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 122 | 473 |
| Girls / boys | 72 / 50 | 217 / 256 |
| Foundation intake | 15 | 68 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 984 | 1024 |
| ICSEA percentile | 40th | 58th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 24% |
| Students per teacher | 11.1 | 17.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.0 | 26.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 16.8 |
| Language background other than English | 5% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Lindenow 3865 | Bairnsdale 3875 |
| Council area | East Gippsland | East Gippsland |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/StateRegister/Provider.aspx/DetailsProvider?AccountID=5acdb812-ed32-de11-9c94-002185cd8e5c | www.stmbairns.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (48.4 vs 41.5).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1024 vs 984), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Lindenow Primary School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 17.6).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 473 students compared with 122.
- •St Mary's School has grown faster over five years (9% vs -19%).
- •Lindenow Primary School is a government school while St Mary'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 Lindenow Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (48.4 vs 41.5 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 Lindenow Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 12 km in a straight line, between Lindenow and Bairnsdale in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lindenow Primary School has 11.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 17.6.
How do Lindenow Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Lindenow Primary School is 1051st of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 911th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.