St James School vs St Patrick's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 8.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St James School
Nar Nar Goon · Catholic primary · Prep-6
98 students · ICSEA 1031
St Patrick's School
Pakenham · Catholic primary · Prep-6
318 students · ICSEA 982
| Measure | St James School Nar Nar Goon VIC | St Patrick's School Pakenham VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #763 of 1,290 | #1112 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #2283 of 4,908 | #3568 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 98 | 318 |
| Girls / boys | 49 / 49 | 152 / 166 |
| Foundation intake | 19 | 43 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -31% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 982 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 38th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 10% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 41% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 13.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 23.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.3 | 10.5 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 62% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 3% |
| Suburb | Nar Nar Goon 3812 | Pakenham 3810 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au | www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St James School scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 38.1).
- •St James School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 982), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St James School has fewer students per teacher (11.4 vs 13.4).
- •St Patrick's School is the larger school with 318 students compared with 98.
- •St James School has grown faster over five years (-18% vs -31%).
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 James School better than St Patrick's School?
On the Success Index, St James School ranks higher (55.6 vs 38.1 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 St James School and St Patrick's School?
About 8.7 km in a straight line, between Nar Nar Goon and Pakenham in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St James School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Patrick's School has 13.4.
How do St James School and St Patrick's School rank in VIC?
St James School is 763rd of 1,290 and St Patrick's School is 1112th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.