Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School vs The Lake Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 5.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School
Merbein · Catholic primary · Prep-6
153 students · ICSEA 1006
The Lake Primary School
Cabarita · Government primary · Prep-6
267 students · ICSEA 986
| Measure | Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School Merbein VIC | The Lake Primary School Cabarita VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 36 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #942 of 1,290 | #1143 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2932 of 4,908 | #3680 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 153 | 267 |
| Girls / boys | 86 / 67 | 126 / 141 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 37 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1006 | 986 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 40th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 17.0 | 15.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 9.0 | 16.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.9 | 8.2 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 9% |
| Suburb | Merbein 3505 | Cabarita 3505 |
| Council area | Mildura | Mildura |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.olshmerbein.catholic.edu.au | www.thelakeps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School scores higher on the Success Index (46.8 vs 36.4).
- •Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School has the higher ICSEA (1006 vs 986), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Lake Primary School has fewer students per teacher (15.8 vs 17.0).
- •The Lake Primary School is the larger school with 267 students compared with 153.
- •Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -12%).
- •Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School is a catholic school while The Lake Primary School is a government 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 Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School better than The Lake Primary School?
On the Success Index, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School ranks higher (46.8 vs 36.4 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 the Sacred Heart School and The Lake Primary School?
About 5.7 km in a straight line, between Merbein and Cabarita in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School has 17.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Lake Primary School has 15.8.
How do Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School and The Lake Primary School rank in VIC?
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School is 942nd of 1,290 and The Lake Primary School is 1143rd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.