Orrvale Primary School vs St Mel's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 3.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Orrvale Primary School
Orrvale · Government primary · Prep-6
384 students · ICSEA 991
St Mel's School
Shepparton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
156 students · ICSEA 999
| Measure | Orrvale Primary School Orrvale VIC | St Mel's School Shepparton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 48 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #910 of 1,290 | #969 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2807 of 4,908 | #3028 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 384 | 156 |
| Girls / boys | 200 / 184 | 72 / 84 |
| Foundation intake | 52 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -45% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 991 | 999 |
| ICSEA percentile | 43th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 36% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 26.5 | 13.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.6 | 10.4 |
| Language background other than English | 22% | 59% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 5% |
| Suburb | Orrvale 3631 | Shepparton 3630 |
| Council area | Greater Shepparton | Greater Shepparton |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.orrvaleps.vic.edu.au/ | www.smshepparton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Orrvale Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.4 vs 45.8).
- •St Mel's School has the higher ICSEA (999 vs 991), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mel's School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 14.5).
- •Orrvale Primary School is the larger school with 384 students compared with 156.
- •Orrvale Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -45%).
- •Orrvale Primary School is a government school while St Mel'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 Orrvale Primary School better than St Mel's School?
On the Success Index, Orrvale Primary School ranks higher (48.4 vs 45.8 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 Orrvale Primary School and St Mel's School?
About 3.4 km in a straight line, between Orrvale and Shepparton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Orrvale Primary School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mel's School has 11.7.
How do Orrvale Primary School and St Mel's School rank in VIC?
Orrvale Primary School is 910th of 1,290 and St Mel's School is 969th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.