Marian College vs Penola Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 15 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Marian College
Sunshine West · Catholic high school · 7-12
856 students · ICSEA 999
Penola Catholic College
Broadmeadows · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Marian College Sunshine West VIC | Penola Catholic College Broadmeadows VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #207 of 348 | #154 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #709 of 1,472 | #498 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 856 | 1,373 |
| Girls / boys | 856 / 0 | 612 / 761 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 146 | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | 119 | 239 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 1.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 37% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 78.1 | 152.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.6 | 75.4 |
| Language background other than English | 52% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Sunshine West 3020 | Broadmeadows 3047 |
| Council area | Brimbank | Hume |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mariansw.catholic.edu.au | www.penola.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 51.4).
- •Penola Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 999), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 11.0).
- •Penola Catholic College is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 856.
- •Marian College has grown faster over five years (3% 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 Marian College better than Penola Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College ranks higher (60.7 vs 51.4 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 Penola Catholic College?
About 15 km in a straight line, between Sunshine West and Broadmeadows in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Marian College has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Catholic College has 9.0.
How do Marian College and Penola Catholic College rank in VIC?
Marian College is 207th of 348 and Penola Catholic College is 154th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.