Mercy College vs Newlands Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mercy College
Coburg · Catholic high school · 7-12
403 students · ICSEA 1029
Newlands Primary School
Preston · Government primary · Prep-6
437 students · ICSEA 1146
| Measure | Mercy College Coburg VIC | Newlands Primary School Preston VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 92 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #181 of 348 | #2 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #609 of 1,472 | #3 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 403 | 437 |
| Girls / boys | 403 / 0 | 214 / 223 |
| Foundation intake | – | 78 |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.9% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +69% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1029 | 1146 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 94th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 63% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 12.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.0 | 34.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.2 | 14.9 |
| Language background other than English | 46% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Coburg 3058 | Preston 3072 |
| Council area | Merri-bek | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mercycoburg.catholic.edu.au | www.newlandsps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Newlands Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (92.2 vs 55.7).
- •Newlands Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1146 vs 1029), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Newlands Primary School is the larger school with 437 students compared with 403.
- •Newlands Primary School has grown faster over five years (69% vs -11%).
- •Mercy College is a catholic school while Newlands Primary School is a government 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 Mercy College better than Newlands Primary School?
On the Success Index, Newlands Primary School ranks higher (92.2 vs 55.7 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 Mercy College and Newlands Primary School?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Coburg and Preston in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mercy College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Newlands Primary School has 12.7.
How do Mercy College and Newlands Primary School rank in VIC?
Mercy College is 181st of 348 and Newlands Primary School is 2nd of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.