Phoenix P-12 Community College vs St James' School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 2.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Phoenix P-12 Community College
Sebastopol · Government combined · Prep-12
1,473 students · ICSEA 947
St James' School
Sebastopol · Catholic primary · Prep-6
166 students · ICSEA 1034
| Measure | Phoenix P-12 Community College Sebastopol VIC | St James' School Sebastopol VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #228 of 239 | #759 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1127 of 1,259 | #2269 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 1,473 | 166 |
| Girls / boys | 728 / 745 | 85 / 81 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 35 |
| Year 7 cohort | 209 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3% | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +0% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 947 | 1034 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 61th |
| Top SEA quarter | 5% | 17% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 56% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 129.5 | 12.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 76.4 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 5% |
| Suburb | Sebastopol 3356 | Sebastopol 3356 |
| Council area | Ballarat | Ballarat |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.phoenix.vic.edu.au/ | www.sjsebastopol.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St James' School scores higher on the Success Index (55.8 vs 27.6).
- •St James' School has the higher ICSEA (1034 vs 947), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Phoenix P-12 Community College has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.8).
- •Phoenix P-12 Community College is the larger school with 1,473 students compared with 166.
- •Phoenix P-12 Community College has grown faster over five years (0% vs -8%).
- •Phoenix P-12 Community College is a government school while St James' 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 Phoenix P-12 Community College better than St James' School?
On the Success Index, St James' School ranks higher (55.8 vs 27.6 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 Phoenix P-12 Community College and St James' School?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Sebastopol and Sebastopol in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Phoenix P-12 Community College has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James' School has 13.8.
How do Phoenix P-12 Community College and St James' School rank in VIC?
Phoenix P-12 Community College is 228th of 239 and St James' School is 759th of 1,290 among combined schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.