St John the Baptist School vs St Mark's School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 35 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St John the Baptist School
Ferntree Gully · Catholic primary · Prep-6
221 students · ICSEA 1075
St Mark's School
Fawkner · Catholic primary · Prep-6
170 students · ICSEA 1076
| Measure | St John the Baptist School Ferntree Gully VIC | St Mark's School Fawkner VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 75 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #285 of 1,290 | #248 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #618 of 4,908 | #512 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 221 | 170 |
| Girls / boys | 109 / 112 | 87 / 83 |
| Foundation intake | 30 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +32% | +10% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1075 | 1076 |
| ICSEA percentile | 77th | 77th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 9% | 16% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 18.0 | 14.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 4.9 | 6.6 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 49% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 4% |
| Suburb | Ferntree Gully 3156 | Fawkner 3060 |
| Council area | Knox | Merri-bek |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.sjferntreegully.catholic.edu.au | www.smfawkner.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Mark's School scores higher on the Success Index (75.3 vs 74.1).
- •St Mark's School has the higher ICSEA (1076 vs 1075), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mark's School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 12.3).
- •St John the Baptist School is the larger school with 221 students compared with 170.
- •St John the Baptist School has grown faster over five years (32% vs 10%).
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 John the Baptist School better than St Mark's School?
On the Success Index, St Mark's School ranks higher (75.3 vs 74.1 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 John the Baptist School and St Mark's School?
About 35 km in a straight line, between Ferntree Gully and Fawkner in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St John the Baptist School has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mark's School has 11.5.
How do St John the Baptist School and St Mark's School rank in VIC?
St John the Baptist School is 285th of 1,290 and St Mark's School is 248th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.