Pakenham Primary School vs Pakenham Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 3.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pakenham Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
420 students · ICSEA 999
Pakenham Secondary College
Pakenham · Government high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 962
| Measure | Pakenham Primary School Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #900 of 1,290 | #282 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #2773 of 4,908 | #963 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 420 | 1,030 |
| Girls / boys | 221 / 199 | 476 / 554 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 246 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 90 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 26 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.7% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +57% | +33% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 999 | 962 |
| ICSEA percentile | 46th | 30th |
| Top SEA quarter | 6% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 33% | 52% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 28.8 | 84.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.5 | 38.6 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | pakenhamps.vic.edu.au/ | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pakenham Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.9 vs 39.7).
- •Pakenham Primary School has the higher ICSEA (999 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 14.6).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 420.
- •Pakenham Primary School has grown faster over five years (57% vs 33%).
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 Primary School better than Pakenham Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Pakenham Primary School ranks higher (48.9 vs 39.7 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 Primary School and Pakenham Secondary College?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pakenham Primary School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pakenham Secondary College has 12.2.
How do Pakenham Primary School and Pakenham Secondary College rank in VIC?
Pakenham Primary School is 900th of 1,290 and Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.