Simonds Catholic College vs University High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Victoria, 1.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Simonds Catholic College
West Melbourne · Catholic high school · 7-12
359 students · ICSEA 1053
University High School
Parkville · Government high school · 7-12
1,983 students · ICSEA 1117
| Measure | Simonds Catholic College West Melbourne VIC | University High School Parkville VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 73 Top 25% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #84 of 348 | #44 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #207 of 1,472 | #98 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 359 | 1,983 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 359 | 916 / 1,067 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 65 | 340 |
| Year 12 cohort | 57 | 348 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | 29 | 31 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | 3.4% | 7.8% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -14% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1053 | 1117 |
| ICSEA percentile | 69th | 88th |
| Top SEA quarter | 29% | 50% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 9.5 | 12.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.6 | 163.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.5 | 51.1 |
| Language background other than English | 36% | 68% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | West Melbourne 3003 | Parkville 3052 |
| Council area | Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sccmelb.catholic.edu.au | www.unihigh.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •University High School scores higher on the Success Index (77.8 vs 73.1).
- •University High School has the higher ICSEA (1117 vs 1053), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Simonds Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (9.5 vs 12.2).
- •University High School is the larger school with 1,983 students compared with 359.
- •University High School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -14%).
- •Simonds Catholic College is a catholic school while University High School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Docklands
Frequently asked questions
Is Simonds Catholic College better than University High School?
On the Success Index, University High School ranks higher (77.8 vs 73.1 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 Simonds Catholic College and University High School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between West Melbourne and Parkville in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Simonds Catholic College has 9.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and University High School has 12.2.
How do Simonds Catholic College and University High School rank in VIC?
Simonds Catholic College is 84th of 348 and University High School is 44th of 348 among secondary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.