Penola Catholic College vs St John's Regional College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 43 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Penola Catholic College
Broadmeadows · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,373 students · ICSEA 1000
St John's Regional College
Dandenong · Catholic high school · 7-12
616 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Penola Catholic College Broadmeadows VIC | St John's Regional College Dandenong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #154 of 348 | #231 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #498 of 1,472 | #801 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,373 | 616 |
| Girls / boys | 612 / 761 | 300 / 316 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 226 | 129 |
| Year 12 cohort | 239 | 100 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 27 | 29 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 1.5% | 3% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -11% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1000 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 8% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 35% | 34% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 10.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 152.6 | 56.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 75.4 | 33.6 |
| Language background other than English | 39% | 36% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Broadmeadows 3047 | Dandenong 3175 |
| Council area | Hume | Greater Dandenong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.penola.vic.edu.au | www.sjrc.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Penola Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (60.7 vs 46.8).
- •St John's Regional College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 1000), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Penola Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 10.9).
- •Penola Catholic College is the larger school with 1,373 students compared with 616.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Coolaroo
Frequently asked questions
Is Penola Catholic College better than St John's Regional College?
On the Success Index, Penola Catholic College ranks higher (60.7 vs 46.8 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 Penola Catholic College and St John's Regional College?
About 43 km in a straight line, between Broadmeadows and Dandenong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Penola Catholic College has 9.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John's Regional College has 10.9.
How do Penola Catholic College and St John's Regional College rank in VIC?
Penola Catholic College is 154th of 348 and St John's Regional College is 231st of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.