Merrivale Primary School vs St John's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 3.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merrivale Primary School
Warrnambool · Government primary · Prep-6
184 students · ICSEA 1018
St John's School
Dennington · Catholic primary · Prep-6
273 students · ICSEA 1009
| Measure | Merrivale Primary School Warrnambool VIC | St John's School Dennington VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 54 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #801 of 1,290 | #682 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2407 of 4,908 | #2030 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 184 | 273 |
| Girls / boys | 92 / 92 | 141 / 132 |
| Foundation intake | 23 | 50 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +39% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1018 | 1009 |
| ICSEA percentile | 55th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 27% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 13.4 | 21.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.8 | 15.5 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 5% |
| Suburb | Warrnambool 3280 | Dennington 3280 |
| Council area | Warrnambool | Warrnambool |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/StateRegister/Provider.aspx/DetailsProvider?AccountID=174b5524-ed32-de11-9c94-002185cd8e5c | www.sjdennington.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John's School scores higher on the Success Index (58.8 vs 54.0).
- •Merrivale Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1018 vs 1009), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John's School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.7).
- •St John's School is the larger school with 273 students compared with 184.
- •St John's School has grown faster over five years (39% vs -17%).
- •Merrivale Primary School is a government school while St John's 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 Merrivale Primary School better than St John's School?
On the Success Index, St John's School ranks higher (58.8 vs 54.0 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 Merrivale Primary School and St John's School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Warrnambool and Dennington in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merrivale Primary School has 13.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's School has 12.9.
How do Merrivale Primary School and St John's School rank in VIC?
Merrivale Primary School is 801st of 1,290 and St John's School is 682nd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.