Rochester Primary School vs St Joseph's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Rochester Primary School
Rochester · Government primary · Prep-6
181 students · ICSEA 978
St Joseph's School
Rochester · Catholic primary · Prep-6
95 students · ICSEA 991
| Measure | Rochester Primary School Rochester VIC | St Joseph's School Rochester VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 42 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #901 of 1,290 | #1038 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2775 of 4,908 | #3278 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 181 | 95 |
| Girls / boys | 97 / 84 | 44 / 51 |
| Foundation intake | 30 | 10 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +17% | -30% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 978 | 991 |
| ICSEA percentile | 37th | 43th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 46% | 38% |
| Students per teacher | 11.8 | 9.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 15.3 | 10.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Language background other than English | 4% | 0% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 0% |
| Suburb | Rochester 3561 | Rochester 3561 |
| Council area | Campaspe | Campaspe |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.rochps.vic.edu.au/Welcome.html | www.sjrochester.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Rochester Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (48.9 vs 42.2).
- •St Joseph's School has the higher ICSEA (991 vs 978), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Joseph's School has fewer students per teacher (9.3 vs 11.8).
- •Rochester Primary School is the larger school with 181 students compared with 95.
- •Rochester Primary School has grown faster over five years (17% vs -30%).
- •Rochester 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 Rochester Primary School better than St Joseph's School?
On the Success Index, Rochester Primary School ranks higher (48.9 vs 42.2 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 Rochester Primary School and St Joseph's School?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Rochester and Rochester in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Rochester Primary School has 11.8 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Joseph's School has 9.3.
How do Rochester Primary School and St Joseph's School rank in VIC?
Rochester Primary School is 901st of 1,290 and St Joseph's School is 1038th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.