Northern Bay P-12 College vs St Thomas Aquinas School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Northern Bay P-12 College
Corio · Government combined · Prep-12
1,726 students · ICSEA 877
St Thomas Aquinas School
Norlane · Catholic primary · Prep-6
149 students · ICSEA 941
| Measure | Northern Bay P-12 College Corio VIC | St Thomas Aquinas School Norlane VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 27 Lower 50% | 33 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #231 of 239 | #1190 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1152 of 1,259 | #3896 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,726 | 149 |
| Girls / boys | 832 / 894 | 80 / 69 |
| Foundation intake | 130 | 21 |
| Year 7 cohort | 117 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 79 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 23 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.4% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 877 | 941 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 21th |
| Top SEA quarter | 1% | 2% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 76% | 62% |
| Students per teacher | 8.6 | 7.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 199.9 | 20.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 160.8 | 11.0 |
| Language background other than English | 35% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 14% |
| Suburb | Corio 3214 | Norlane 3214 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.nbc.vic.edu.au/ | www.stanorlane.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Thomas Aquinas School scores higher on the Success Index (33.3 vs 26.5).
- •St Thomas Aquinas School has the higher ICSEA (941 vs 877), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas Aquinas School has fewer students per teacher (7.2 vs 8.6).
- •Northern Bay P-12 College is the larger school with 1,726 students compared with 149.
- •Northern Bay P-12 College is a government school while St Thomas Aquinas 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 Northern Bay P-12 College better than St Thomas Aquinas School?
On the Success Index, St Thomas Aquinas School ranks higher (33.3 vs 26.5 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 Northern Bay P-12 College and St Thomas Aquinas School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Corio and Norlane in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Northern Bay P-12 College has 8.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas School has 7.2.
How do Northern Bay P-12 College and St Thomas Aquinas School rank in VIC?
Northern Bay P-12 College is 231st of 239 and St Thomas Aquinas School is 1190th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.