Pakenham Lakeside Primary School vs St Clare's Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 825 m 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
St Clare's Primary School
Officer · Catholic primary · Prep-6
584 students · ICSEA 1040
| Measure | Pakenham Lakeside Primary School Pakenham VIC | St Clare's Primary School Officer VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 45 Lower 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #988 of 1,290 | #654 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #3091 of 4,908 | #1929 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 704 | 584 |
| Girls / boys | 360 / 344 | 288 / 296 |
| Foundation intake | 96 | 86 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -16% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1007 | 1040 |
| ICSEA percentile | 50th | 64th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 14.5 | 15.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 48.4 | 37.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 21.0 | 24.9 |
| Language background other than English | 40% | 55% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Officer 3809 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.plps.vic.edu.au/ | www.stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Clare's Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (60.0 vs 44.9).
- •St Clare's Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1040 vs 1007), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Lakeside Primary School has fewer students per teacher (14.5 vs 15.5).
- •Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is the larger school with 704 students compared with 584.
- •St Clare's Primary School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -16%).
- •Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is a government school while St Clare's Primary 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 Lakeside Primary School better than St Clare's Primary School?
On the Success Index, St Clare's Primary School ranks higher (60.0 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 St Clare's Primary School?
About 825 m in a straight line, between Pakenham and Officer in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School has 14.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Clare's Primary School has 15.5.
How do Pakenham Lakeside Primary School and St Clare's Primary School rank in VIC?
Pakenham Lakeside Primary School is 988th of 1,290 and St Clare's Primary School is 654th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.