St Catherine's School vs St Mary's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 291 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Catherine's School
Lalor · Catholic primary · Prep-6
289 students · ICSEA 1036
St Mary's School
Swan Hill · Catholic primary · Prep-6
603 students · ICSEA 1036
| Measure | St Catherine's School Lalor VIC | St Mary's School Swan Hill VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 62 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #653 of 1,290 | #617 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1928 of 4,908 | #1803 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 289 | 603 |
| Girls / boys | 146 / 143 | 303 / 300 |
| Foundation intake | 42 | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1036 | 1036 |
| ICSEA percentile | 63th | 62th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 23.2 | 42.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 9.4 | 30.6 |
| Language background other than English | 54% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 5% |
| Suburb | Lalor 3075 | Swan Hill 3585 |
| Council area | Whittlesea | Swan Hill |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.sclalorwest.catholic.edu.au | www.smswanhill.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (61.5 vs 60.0).
- •St Catherine's School has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 14.2).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 603 students compared with 289.
- •St Mary's School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -8%).
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 Coolaroo
Frequently asked questions
Is St Catherine's School better than St Mary's School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (61.5 vs 60.0 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 Catherine's School and St Mary's School?
About 291 km in a straight line, between Lalor and Swan Hill in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Catherine's School has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's School has 14.2.
How do St Catherine's School and St Mary's School rank in VIC?
St Catherine's School is 653rd of 1,290 and St Mary's School is 617th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.