Lowanna College vs Rutherglen High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 236 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Lowanna College
Newborough · Government high school · 7-12
1,073 students · ICSEA 954
Rutherglen High School
Rutherglen · Government high school · 7-12
306 students · ICSEA 954
| Measure | Lowanna College Newborough VIC | Rutherglen High School Rutherglen VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 33 Lower 50% | 39 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #313 of 348 | #285 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #1114 of 1,472 | #976 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,073 | 306 |
| Girls / boys | 484 / 589 | 142 / 164 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 213 | 61 |
| Year 12 cohort | 118 | 35 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 24 | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1% | 1% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +24% | +6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 954 | 954 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 26th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 15.1 | 8.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 71.2 | 34.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 59.5 | 13.8 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 7% |
| Suburb | Newborough 3825 | Rutherglen 3685 |
| Council area | Latrobe (Vic.) | Indigo |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.lowanna.vic.edu.au | www.rutherglenhs.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Rutherglen High School scores higher on the Success Index (39.1 vs 33.0).
- •Rutherglen High School has fewer students per teacher (8.8 vs 15.1).
- •Lowanna College is the larger school with 1,073 students compared with 306.
- •Lowanna College has grown faster over five years (24% vs 6%).
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 Lowanna College better than Rutherglen High School?
On the Success Index, Rutherglen High School ranks higher (39.1 vs 33.0 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 Lowanna College and Rutherglen High School?
About 236 km in a straight line, between Newborough and Rutherglen in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Lowanna College has 15.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Rutherglen High School has 8.8.
How do Lowanna College and Rutherglen High School rank in VIC?
Lowanna College is 313th of 348 and Rutherglen High School is 285th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.