Pakenham Secondary College vs St Patrick's School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 302 m 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
St Patrick's School
Pakenham · Catholic primary · Prep-6
318 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | Pakenham Secondary College Pakenham VIC | St Patrick's School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 40 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #282 of 348 | #1112 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #963 of 1,472 | #3568 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,030 | 318 |
| Girls / boys | 476 / 554 | 152 / 166 |
| Foundation intake | – | 43 |
| 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% | -31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 962 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 30th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 12.2 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 84.5 | 23.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.6 | 10.5 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 62% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 3% |
| Suburb | Pakenham 3810 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pakenham Secondary College scores higher on the Success Index (39.7 vs 38.1).
- •St Patrick's School has the higher ICSEA (982 vs 962), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (12.2 vs 13.4).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is the larger school with 1,030 students compared with 318.
- •Pakenham Secondary College has grown faster over five years (33% vs -31%).
- •Pakenham Secondary College is a government school while St Patrick's 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 Secondary College better than St Patrick's School?
On the Success Index, Pakenham Secondary College ranks higher (39.7 vs 38.1 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 St Patrick's School?
About 302 m 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 St Patrick's School has 13.4.
How do Pakenham Secondary College and St Patrick's School rank in VIC?
Pakenham Secondary College is 282nd of 348 and St Patrick's School is 1112th of 1,290 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.