Meadows Primary School vs Penola Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 797 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Meadows Primary School
Broadmeadows · Government primary · Prep-6
263 students · ICSEA 922
Penola Catholic College
Broadmeadows · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 1000
| Measure | Meadows Primary School Broadmeadows VIC | Penola Catholic College Broadmeadows VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1244 of 1,290 | #154 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #4265 of 4,908 | #498 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 263 | 1,373 |
| Girls / boys | 140 / 123 | 612 / 761 |
| Foundation intake | 37 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 239 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 1.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -24% | -6% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 922 | 1000 |
| ICSEA percentile | 16th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 65% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 9.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 22.0 | 152.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.9 | 75.4 |
| Language background other than English | 87% | 39% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 1% |
| Suburb | Broadmeadows 3047 | Broadmeadows 3047 |
| Council area | Hume | Hume |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.meadowsps.vic.edu.au/ | www.penola.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 28.1).
- •Penola Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1000 vs 922), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 12.0).
- •Penola Catholic College is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 263.
- •Penola Catholic College has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -24%).
- •Meadows Primary School is a government school while Penola Catholic 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Meadows Primary School better than Penola Catholic College?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College ranks higher (60.7 vs 28.1 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 Meadows Primary School and Penola Catholic College?
About 797 m in a straight line, between Broadmeadows and Broadmeadows in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Meadows Primary School has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Penola Catholic College has 9.0.
How do Meadows Primary School and Penola Catholic College rank in VIC?
Meadows Primary School is 1244th of 1,290 and Penola Catholic College is 154th of 348 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.