Penders Grove Primary School vs Virtual School Victoria
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 1.3 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
Virtual School Victoria
Thornbury · Government combined · Prep-12
6,248 students · ICSEA 1073
| Measure | Penders Grove Primary School Thornbury VIC | Virtual School Victoria Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #746 of 1,290 | #76 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #2225 of 4,908 | #238 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 160 | 6,248 |
| Girls / boys | 74 / 86 | 3,752 / 2,496 |
| Foundation intake | 18 | 3 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 84 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 2,541 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 27 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -21% | +55% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1021 | 1073 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 30% | 33% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 28% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 13.6 | 10.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.8 | 313.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.2 | 52.0 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 19% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 2% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.pendersgroveps.vic.edu.au/ | www.distance.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Virtual School Victoria scores higher on the Success Index (71.3 vs 56.4).
- •Virtual School Victoria has the higher ICSEA (1073 vs 1021), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Virtual School Victoria has fewer students per teacher (10.0 vs 13.6).
- •Virtual School Victoria is the larger school with 6,248 students compared with 160.
- •Virtual School Victoria has grown faster over five years (55% vs -21%).
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 Virtual School Victoria?
On the Success Index, Virtual School Victoria ranks higher (71.3 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 Virtual School Victoria?
About 1.3 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 Virtual School Victoria has 10.0.
How do Penders Grove Primary School and Virtual School Victoria rank in VIC?
Penders Grove Primary School is 746th of 1,290 and Virtual School Victoria is 76th of 239 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.