North Geelong Secondary College vs Western Heights Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
North Geelong Secondary College
North Geelong · Government high school · 7-12
989 students · ICSEA 961
Western Heights Secondary College
Hamlyn Heights · Government high school · 7-12
1,060 students · ICSEA 991
| Measure | North Geelong Secondary College North Geelong VIC | Western Heights Secondary College Hamlyn Heights VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #275 of 348 | #188 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #949 of 1,472 | #638 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 989 | 1,060 |
| Girls / boys | 434 / 555 | 425 / 635 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 154 | 213 |
| Year 12 cohort | 118 | 108 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 26 | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 2.2% | 1.2% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -5% | +165% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 961 | 991 |
| ICSEA percentile | 29th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 49% | 37% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 85.9 | 84.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 49.1 | 40.4 |
| Language background other than English | 35% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 5% |
| Suburb | North Geelong 3215 | Hamlyn Heights 3215 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ngsc.vic.edu.au | www.whc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Western Heights Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (54.7 vs 40.0).
- •Western Heights Secondary College has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 961), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •North Geelong Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 12.5).
- •Western Heights Secondary College is the larger school with 1,060 students compared with 989.
- •Western Heights Secondary College has grown faster over five years (165% vs -5%).
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 North Geelong Secondary College better than Western Heights Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Western Heights Secondary College ranks higher (54.7 vs 40.0 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 North Geelong Secondary College and Western Heights Secondary College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between North Geelong and Hamlyn Heights in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
North Geelong Secondary College has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Western Heights Secondary College has 12.5.
How do North Geelong Secondary College and Western Heights Secondary College rank in VIC?
North Geelong Secondary College is 275th of 348 and Western Heights Secondary College is 188th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.