Pakenham Lakeside Primary School vs Rutherglen Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 241 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
704 students · ICSEA 1007
Rutherglen Primary School
Rutherglen · Government primary · Prep-6
177 students · ICSEA 1007
| Measure | Pakenham Lakeside Primary School Pakenham VIC | Rutherglen Primary School Rutherglen VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 51 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #988 of 1,290 | #864 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3091 of 4,908 | #2645 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 704 | 177 |
| Girls / boys | 360 / 344 | 89 / 88 |
| Foundation intake | 96 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1007 | 1007 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 35% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 48.4 | 12.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.0 | 4.8 |
| Language background other than English | 40% | 2% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Rutherglen 3685 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Indigo |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.plps.vic.edu.au/ | www.rutherglenps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Rutherglen Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (50.7 vs 44.9).
- •Rutherglen Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.7 vs 14.5).
- •Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is the larger school with 704 students compared with 177.
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 Lakeside Primary School better than Rutherglen Primary School?
On the Success Index, Rutherglen Primary School ranks higher (50.7 vs 44.9 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 Lakeside Primary School and Rutherglen Primary School?
About 241 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Rutherglen in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Rutherglen Primary School has 13.7.
How do Pakenham Lakeside Primary School and Rutherglen Primary School rank in VIC?
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is 988th of 1,290 and Rutherglen Primary School is 864th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.