Mernda Central P-12 College vs St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mernda Central P-12 College
Mernda · Government combined · Prep-12
1,746 students · ICSEA 1009
St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School
Doreen · Catholic primary · Prep-6
454 students · ICSEA 1080
| Measure | Mernda Central P-12 College Mernda VIC | St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School Doreen VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 70 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #181 of 239 | #415 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #836 of 1,259 | #1041 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,746 | 454 |
| Girls / boys | 877 / 869 | 231 / 223 |
| Foundation intake | 73 | 60 |
| Year 7 cohort | 261 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 125 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 27 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.6% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +40% | +44% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1009 | 1080 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 16.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 128.8 | 27.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 56.9 | 14.5 |
| Language background other than English | 46% | 42% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Mernda 3754 | Doreen 3754 |
| Council area | Whittlesea | Whittlesea |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.merndacentralp12college.vic.edu.au/ | www.spadoreen.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (69.7 vs 41.0).
- •St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1080 vs 1009), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mernda Central P-12 College has fewer students per teacher (13.6 vs 16.8).
- •Mernda Central P-12 College is the larger school with 1,746 students compared with 454.
- •Mernda Central P-12 College is a government school while St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School 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 Mernda Central P-12 College better than St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School ranks higher (69.7 vs 41.0 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 Mernda Central P-12 College and St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Mernda and Doreen in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mernda Central P-12 College has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School has 16.8.
How do Mernda Central P-12 College and St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School rank in VIC?
Mernda Central P-12 College is 181st of 239 and St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School is 415th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.