St James School vs St Thomas Aquinas College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Victoria, 4.5 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 Thomas Aquinas College
Tynong · Independent combined · Prep-12
204 students · ICSEA 1030
| Measure | St James School Nar Nar Goon VIC | St Thomas Aquinas College Tynong VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 56 Top 50% | 47 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #763 of 1,290 | #162 of 239 |
| National rank (type) | #2283 of 4,908 | #712 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 98 | 204 |
| Girls / boys | 49 / 49 | 106 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | 19 | 12 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 16 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 16 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | 25 |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | 2.5% |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -27% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1031 | 1030 |
| ICSEA percentile | 60th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 16% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 26% |
| Students per teacher | 11.4 | 8.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 8.6 | 23.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.3 | 11.2 |
| Language background other than English | 3% | 24% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 0% |
| Suburb | Nar Nar Goon 3812 | Tynong 3813 |
| Council area | Cardinia | Cardinia |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.stjamesnng.catholic.edu.au | www.stac.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St James School scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 47.4).
- •St James School has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 1030), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Thomas Aquinas College has fewer students per teacher (8.6 vs 11.4).
- •St Thomas Aquinas College is the larger school with 204 students compared with 98.
- •St James School has grown faster over five years (-18% vs -27%).
- •St James School is a catholic school while St Thomas Aquinas College is an independent 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is St James School better than St Thomas Aquinas College?
On the Success Index, St James School ranks higher (55.6 vs 47.4 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 Thomas Aquinas College?
About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Nar Nar Goon and Tynong in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St James School has 11.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas Aquinas College has 8.6.
How do St James School and St Thomas Aquinas College rank in VIC?
St James School is 763rd of 1,290 and St Thomas Aquinas College is 162nd of 239 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.