Mount St Joseph Girls' College vs St Bernard's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 14 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mount St Joseph Girls' College
Altona · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,216 students · ICSEA 1100
St Bernard's College
Essendon · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,567 students · ICSEA 1100
| Measure | Mount St Joseph Girls' College Altona VIC | St Bernard's College Essendon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #72 of 348 | #53 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #169 of 1,472 | #124 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,216 | 1,567 |
| Girls / boys | 1,216 / 0 | 0 / 1,567 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 219 | 277 |
| Year 12 cohort | 184 | 247 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.9% | 8.4% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +15% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1100 | 1100 |
| ICSEA percentile | 84th | 84th |
| Top SEA quarter | 39% | 38% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 89.1 | 121.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.5 | 59.8 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Altona 3018 | Essendon 3040 |
| Council area | Hobsons Bay | Moonee Valley |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.msj.vic.edu.au | www.sbc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Bernard's College scores higher on the Success Index (76.6 vs 75.1).
- •St Bernard's College has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.6).
- •St Bernard's College is the larger school with 1,567 students compared with 1,216.
- •Mount St Joseph Girls' College has grown faster over five years (15% vs 2%).
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 Mount St Joseph Girls' College better than St Bernard's College?
On the Success Index, St Bernard's College ranks higher (76.6 vs 75.1 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 Mount St Joseph Girls' College and St Bernard's College?
About 14 km in a straight line, between Altona and Essendon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mount St Joseph Girls' College has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Bernard's College has 12.9.
How do Mount St Joseph Girls' College and St Bernard's College rank in VIC?
Mount St Joseph Girls' College is 72nd of 348 and St Bernard's College is 53rd of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.