Marian College vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 204 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Marian College
Ararat · Catholic high school · 7-12
369 students · ICSEA 1017
St Mary's School
Ararat · Catholic primary · Prep-6
121 students · ICSEA 1038
| Measure | Marian College Ararat VIC | St Mary's School Ararat VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #190 of 348 | #748 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #646 of 1,472 | #2229 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 369 | 121 |
| Girls / boys | 194 / 175 | 59 / 62 |
| Foundation intake | – | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 71 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 52 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1017 | 1038 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 63th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 10.9 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.7 | 8.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.3 | 6.4 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 14% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Ararat 3377 | Ararat 3377 |
| Council area | Ararat | Ararat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.mcararat.catholic.edu.au | www.smararat.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (56.4 vs 54.4).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1038 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Marian College has fewer students per teacher (10.9 vs 14.4).
- •Marian College is the larger school with 369 students compared with 121.
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 Marian College better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (56.4 vs 54.4 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 Marian College and St Mary's School?
About 204 m in a straight line, between Ararat and Ararat in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marian College has 10.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 14.4.
How do Marian College and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Marian College is 190th of 348 and St Mary's School is 748th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.