Our Lady of Perpetual Help School vs St Patrick's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 35 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Ringwood · Catholic primary · Prep-6
248 students · ICSEA 981
St Patrick's School
Pakenham · Catholic primary · Prep-6
318 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Ringwood VIC | St Patrick's School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 44 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1009 of 1,290 | #1112 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3171 of 4,908 | #3568 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 248 | 318 |
| Girls / boys | 122 / 126 | 152 / 166 |
| Foundation intake | 34 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 981 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 38th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 11.5 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 21.6 | 23.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.9 | 10.5 |
| Language background other than English | 73% | 62% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 3% |
| Suburb | Ringwood 3134 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Maroondah | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.olringwood.catholic.edu.au | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Our Lady of Perpetual Help School scores higher on the Success Index (43.6 vs 38.1).
- •St Patrick's School has the higher ICSEA (982 vs 981), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Our Lady of Perpetual Help School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 13.4).
- •St Patrick's School is the larger school with 318 students compared with 248.
- •Our Lady of Perpetual Help School has grown faster over five years (-13% vs -31%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Springvale
Frequently asked questions
Is Our Lady of Perpetual Help School better than St Patrick's School?
On the Success Index, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School ranks higher (43.6 vs 38.1 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 Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and St Patrick's School?
About 35 km in a straight line, between Ringwood and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School has 11.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's School has 13.4.
How do Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and St Patrick's School rank in VIC?
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School is 1009th of 1,290 and St Patrick's School is 1112th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.