Pakenham Hills Primary School vs St James School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 6.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pakenham Hills Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
499 students · ICSEA 978
St James School
Nar Nar Goon · Catholic primary · Prep-6
98 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | Pakenham Hills Primary School Pakenham VIC | St James School Nar Nar Goon VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #994 of 1,290 | #763 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3116 of 4,908 | #2283 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 499 | 98 |
| Girls / boys | 245 / 254 | 49 / 49 |
| Foundation intake | 89 | 19 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | -18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 8% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 45% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 31.3 | 8.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.7 | 6.3 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 4% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Nar Nar Goon 3812 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.pakenhamhillsps.vic.edu.au/ | www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St James School scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 44.5).
- •St James School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St James School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 15.9).
- •Pakenham Hills Primary School is the larger school with 499 students compared with 98.
- •Pakenham Hills Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -18%).
- •Pakenham Hills Primary School is a government school while St James 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 Pakenham Hills Primary School better than St James School?
On the Success Index, St James School ranks higher (55.6 vs 44.5 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 Pakenham Hills Primary School and St James School?
About 6.9 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Nar Nar Goon in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pakenham Hills Primary School has 15.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James School has 11.4.
How do Pakenham Hills Primary School and St James School rank in VIC?
Pakenham Hills Primary School is 994th of 1,290 and St James School is 763rd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.