Penders Grove Primary School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penders Grove Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
160 students · ICSEA 1021
St Mary's School
Thornbury · Catholic primary · Prep-6
113 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | Penders Grove Primary School Thornbury VIC | St Mary's School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #746 of 1,290 | #362 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2225 of 4,908 | #854 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 160 | 113 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 86 | 61 / 52 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 8 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | -54% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1021 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 36% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 11.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.2 | 7.1 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 1% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pendersgroveps.vic.edu.au/ | www.smthornbury.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (71.7 vs 56.4).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1089 vs 1021), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 13.6).
- •Penders Grove Primary School is the larger school with 160 students compared with 113.
- •Penders Grove Primary School has grown faster over five years (-21% vs -54%).
- •Penders Grove Primary School is a government school while St Mary'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 Penders Grove Primary School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (71.7 vs 56.4 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 Penders Grove Primary School and St Mary's School?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Thornbury and Thornbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penders Grove Primary School has 13.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 9.7.
How do Penders Grove Primary School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
Penders Grove Primary School is 746th of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 362nd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.