Ripponlea Primary School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 868 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Ripponlea Primary School
St Kilda East · Government primary · Prep-6
256 students · ICSEA 1141
St Joseph's School
Elsternwick · Catholic primary · Prep-6
347 students · ICSEA 1164
| Measure | Ripponlea Primary School St Kilda East VIC | St Joseph's School Elsternwick VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #159 of 1,290 | #79 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #290 of 4,908 | #130 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 256 | 347 |
| Girls / boys | 119 / 137 | 172 / 175 |
| Foundation intake | 32 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -13% | -1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1141 | 1164 |
| ICSEA percentile | 93th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 57% | 65% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 1% |
| Students per teacher | 13.1 | 14.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.6 | 23.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.0 | 8.1 |
| Language background other than English | 25% | 17% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | St Kilda East 3183 | Elsternwick 3185 |
| Council area | Glen Eira | Glen Eira |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.ripponleaps.vic.edu.au/ | www.sjelst.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Joseph's School scores higher on the Success Index (81.4 vs 78.4).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (1164 vs 1141), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Ripponlea Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.1 vs 14.8).
- •St Joseph's School is the larger school with 347 students compared with 256.
- •St Joseph's School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -13%).
- •Ripponlea 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 Ripponlea Primary School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, St Joseph's School ranks higher (81.4 vs 78.4 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 Ripponlea Primary School and St Joseph's School?
About 868 m in a straight line, between St Kilda East and Elsternwick in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Ripponlea Primary School has 13.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 14.8.
How do Ripponlea Primary School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Ripponlea Primary School is 159th of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is 79th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.