Melba Secondary College vs Yarra Valley Grammar
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Melba Secondary College
Croydon · Government high school · 7-12
663 students · ICSEA 1003
Yarra Valley Grammar
Ringwood · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,899 students · ICSEA 1155
| Measure | Melba Secondary College Croydon VIC | Yarra Valley Grammar Ringwood VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #153 of 348 | #32 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #495 of 1,472 | #64 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 663 | 1,899 |
| Girls / boys | 353 / 310 | 812 / 1,087 |
| Foundation intake | – | 54 |
| Year 7 cohort | 115 | 259 |
| Year 12 cohort | 71 | 202 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 35 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 2.1% | 23.8% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +10% | +43% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1003 | 1155 |
| ICSEA percentile | 48th | 96th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 62% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.0 | 166.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.5 | 92.5 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 58% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Croydon 3136 | Ringwood 3134 |
| Council area | Maroondah | Maroondah |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.melba.vic.edu.au | www.yvg.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Yarra Valley Grammar scores higher on the Success Index (83.0 vs 60.8).
- •Yarra Valley Grammar has the higher ICSEA (1155 vs 1003), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Yarra Valley Grammar is the larger school with 1,899 students compared with 663.
- •Yarra Valley Grammar has grown faster over five years (43% vs 10%).
- •Melba Secondary College is a government school while Yarra Valley Grammar is an independent 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 Melba Secondary College better than Yarra Valley Grammar?
On the Success Index, Yarra Valley Grammar ranks higher (83.0 vs 60.8 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 Melba Secondary College and Yarra Valley Grammar?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Croydon and Ringwood in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Melba Secondary College has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Yarra Valley Grammar has 11.4.
How do Melba Secondary College and Yarra Valley Grammar rank in VIC?
Melba Secondary College is 153rd of 348 and Yarra Valley Grammar is 32nd of 239 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.