St Bede's School vs St James' School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 13 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Bede's School
Balwyn North · Catholic primary · Prep-6
264 students · ICSEA 1133
St James' School
Brighton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
146 students · ICSEA 1133
| Measure | St Bede's School Balwyn North VIC | St James' School Brighton VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 79 Top 5% | 77 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #148 of 1,290 | #205 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #270 of 4,908 | #410 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 264 | 146 |
| Girls / boys | 121 / 143 | 104 / 42 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -1% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 1133 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 55% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 11.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.3 | 13.1 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 10.7 | 5.5 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 44% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balwyn North 3104 | Brighton 3186 |
| Council area | Boroondara | Bayside (Vic.) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sbedesbn.catholic.edu.au | www.stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Bede's School scores higher on the Success Index (78.8 vs 76.8).
- •St James' School has fewer students per teacher (11.1 vs 13.7).
- •St Bede's School is the larger school with 264 students compared with 146.
- •St Bede's School has grown faster over five years (-1% vs -27%).
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 St Bede's School better than St James' School?
On the Success Index, St Bede's School ranks higher (78.8 vs 76.8 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 St Bede's School and St James' School?
About 13 km in a straight line, between Balwyn North and Brighton in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Bede's School has 13.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St James' School has 11.1.
How do St Bede's School and St James' School rank in VIC?
St Bede's School is 148th of 1,290 and St James' School is 205th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.