Merbein P-10 College vs The Lake Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 4.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merbein P-10 College
Merbein · Government combined · Prep-10
644 students · ICSEA 944
The Lake Primary School
Cabarita · Government primary · Prep-6
267 students · ICSEA 986
| Measure | Merbein P-10 College Merbein VIC | The Lake Primary School Cabarita VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #230 of 239 | #1143 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1148 of 1,259 | #3680 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-10 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 644 | 267 |
| Girls / boys | 327 / 317 | 126 / 141 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 37 |
| Year 7 cohort | 122 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -19% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 944 | 986 |
| ICSEA percentile | 23th | 40th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 50% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 11.9 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 54.2 | 16.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.0 | 8.2 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 9% |
| Suburb | Merbein 3505 | Cabarita 3505 |
| Council area | Mildura | Mildura |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.merbeinp10.vic.edu.au/ | www.thelakeps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The Lake Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (36.4 vs 26.7).
- •The Lake Primary School has the higher ICSEA (986 vs 944), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merbein P-10 College has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 15.8).
- •Merbein P-10 College is the larger school with 644 students compared with 267.
- •The Lake Primary School has grown faster over five years (-12% vs -19%).
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 Merbein P-10 College better than The Lake Primary School?
On the Success Index, The Lake Primary School ranks higher (36.4 vs 26.7 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 Merbein P-10 College and The Lake Primary School?
About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Merbein and Cabarita in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merbein P-10 College has 11.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Lake Primary School has 15.8.
How do Merbein P-10 College and The Lake Primary School rank in VIC?
Merbein P-10 College is 230th of 239 and The Lake Primary School is 1143rd of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.