Our Lady of Mercy College vs Santa Maria College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 5.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Our Lady of Mercy College
Heidelberg · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,175 students · ICSEA 1111
Santa Maria College
Northcote · Catholic high school · 7-12
779 students · ICSEA 1110
| Measure | Our Lady of Mercy College Heidelberg VIC | Santa Maria College Northcote VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 77 Top 10% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #50 of 348 | #27 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #118 of 1,472 | #59 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,175 | 779 |
| Girls / boys | 1,175 / 0 | 779 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 203 | 141 |
| Year 12 cohort | 193 | 136 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 33 | 32 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 10.3% | 8.6% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1111 | 1110 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 87th |
| Top SEA quarter | 42% | 43% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 96.4 | 69.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.5 | 33.5 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Heidelberg 3084 | Northcote 3070 |
| Council area | Banyule | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.olmcheidelberg.catholic.edu.au | www.santamaria.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Santa Maria College scores higher on the Success Index (80.8 vs 76.8).
- •Our Lady of Mercy College has the higher ICSEA (1111 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Santa Maria College has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 12.2).
- •Our Lady of Mercy College is the larger school with 1,175 students compared with 779.
- •Our Lady of Mercy College has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -12%).
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 Our Lady of Mercy College better than Santa Maria College?
On the Success Index, Santa Maria College ranks higher (80.8 vs 76.8 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 Our Lady of Mercy College and Santa Maria College?
About 5.9 km in a straight line, between Heidelberg and Northcote in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Our Lady of Mercy College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Santa Maria College has 11.3.
How do Our Lady of Mercy College and Santa Maria College rank in VIC?
Our Lady of Mercy College is 50th of 348 and Santa Maria College is 27th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.