Pakenham Secondary College vs Pakenham Springs Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Pakenham Secondary College
Pakenham · Government high school · 7-12
1,030 students · ICSEA 962
Pakenham Springs Primary School
Pakenham · Government primary · Prep-6
687 students · ICSEA 995
| Measure | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC | Pakenham Springs Primary School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #282 of 348 | #970 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #963 of 1,472 | #3033 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,030 | 687 |
| Girls / boys | 476 / 554 | 348 / 339 |
| Foundation intake | – | 83 |
| 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 | +33% | -15% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 995 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 45th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 39% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 84.5 | 50.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.6 | 28.9 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au | www.pakenhamsprings.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pakenham Springs Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (45.7 vs 39.7).
- •Pakenham Springs Primary School has the higher ICSEA (995 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 13.7).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 687.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has grown faster over five years (33% vs -15%).
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 Secondary College better than Pakenham Springs Primary School?
On the Success Index, Pakenham Springs Primary School ranks higher (45.7 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 Secondary College and Pakenham Springs Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Pakenham and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Pakenham Secondary College has 12.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pakenham Springs Primary School has 13.7.
How do Pakenham Secondary College and Pakenham Springs Primary School rank in VIC?
Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 and Pakenham Springs Primary School is 970th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.