Powlett River Primary School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 6.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Powlett River Primary School
Dalyston · Government primary · Prep-6
47 students · ICSEA 970
St Joseph's School
Wonthaggi · Catholic primary · Prep-6
315 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | Powlett River Primary School Dalyston VIC | St Joseph's School Wonthaggi VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 41 Lower 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | – | #665 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | – | #1960 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 47 | 315 |
| Girls / boys | 22 / 25 | 153 / 162 |
| Foundation intake | 10 | 37 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -4% | +17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 970 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 33th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 10% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 39% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 6.9 | 13.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.8 | 23.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.5 | 12.0 |
| Language background other than English | 10% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 15% | 2% |
| Suburb | Dalyston 3992 | Wonthaggi 3995 |
| Council area | Bass Coast | Bass Coast |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.powlett.vic.edu.au/ | www.stjwonthaggi.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (59.6 vs 41.2).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 970), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Powlett River Primary School has fewer students per teacher (6.9 vs 13.7).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 315 students compared with 47.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -4%).
- •Powlett River Primary School is a government school while St Joseph'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 Powlett River Primary School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (59.6 vs 41.2 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 Powlett River Primary School and St Joseph's School?
About 6.7 km in a straight line, between Dalyston and Wonthaggi in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Powlett River Primary School has 6.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 13.7.
How do Powlett River Primary School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Powlett River Primary School is unranked and St Joseph's School is 665th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.