St Bernard's School vs St John XXIII Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 53 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Bernard's School
Bacchus Marsh · Catholic primary · Prep-6
328 students · ICSEA 1035
St John XXIII Primary School
Thomastown · Catholic primary · Prep-6
228 students · ICSEA 1035
| Measure | St Bernard's School Bacchus Marsh VIC | St John XXIII Primary School Thomastown VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 60 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #677 of 1,290 | #661 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2002 of 4,908 | #1953 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 328 | 228 |
| Girls / boys | 187 / 141 | 106 / 122 |
| Foundation intake | 54 | 37 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1035 | 1035 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 13% | 15% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 21% |
| Students per teacher | 13.3 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.6 | 18.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 11.5 | 8.0 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 66% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 0% |
| Suburb | Bacchus Marsh 3340 | Thomastown 3074 |
| Council area | Moorabool | Whittlesea |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sbbacchusmarsh.catholic.edu.au | www.sjthomastowneast.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (59.1 vs 59.7).
- •St John XXIII Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 13.3).
- •St Bernard's School is the larger school with 328 students compared with 228.
- •St Bernard's School has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -8%).
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 Bernard's School better than St John XXIII Primary School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are St Bernard's School and St John XXIII Primary School?
About 53 km in a straight line, between Bacchus Marsh and Thomastown in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Bernard's School has 13.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John XXIII Primary School has 12.1.
How do St Bernard's School and St John XXIII Primary School rank in VIC?
St Bernard's School is 677th of 1,290 and St John XXIII Primary School is 661st of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.