Sacred Heart College vs The Geelong College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 325 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sacred Heart College
Newtown · Catholic high school · 7-12
1,450 students · ICSEA 1105
The Geelong College
Newtown · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,573 students · ICSEA 1156
| Measure | Sacred Heart College Newtown VIC | The Geelong College Newtown VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 86 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #79 of 348 | #21 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #188 of 1,472 | #36 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 1,450 | 1,573 |
| Girls / boys | 1,450 / 0 | 730 / 843 |
| Foundation intake | – | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 257 | 173 |
| Year 12 cohort | 241 | 165 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 31 | 33 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 6.3% | 14% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -3% | +19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1105 | 1156 |
| ICSEA percentile | 86th | 96th |
| Top SEA quarter | 40% | 63% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 109.2 | 162.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 72.5 | 133.6 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Newtown 3220 | Newtown 3220 |
| Council area | Greater Geelong | Greater Geelong |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.shcgeelong.catholic.edu.au | www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •The Geelong College scores higher on the Success Index (85.8 vs 73.9).
- •The Geelong College has the higher ICSEA (1156 vs 1105), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Geelong College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 13.3).
- •The Geelong College is the larger school with 1,573 students compared with 1,450.
- •The Geelong College has grown faster over five years (19% vs -3%).
- •Sacred Heart College is a catholic school while The Geelong College is an independent 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 Sacred Heart College better than The Geelong College?
On the Success Index, The Geelong College ranks higher (85.8 vs 73.9 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 Sacred Heart College and The Geelong College?
About 325 m in a straight line, between Newtown and Newtown in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sacred Heart College has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Geelong College has 9.7.
How do Sacred Heart College and The Geelong College rank in VIC?
Sacred Heart College is 79th of 348 and The Geelong College is 21st of 239 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.