St Mary's School vs Tarrington Lutheran School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 4.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's School
Hamilton · Catholic primary · Prep-6
257 students · ICSEA 1040
Tarrington Lutheran School
Tarrington · Independent primary · Prep-6
106 students · ICSEA 1063
| Measure | St Mary's School Hamilton VIC | Tarrington Lutheran School Tarrington VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 62 Top 50% | 66 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #599 of 1,290 | #495 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #1714 of 4,908 | #1363 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 257 | 106 |
| Girls / boys | 132 / 125 | 51 / 55 |
| Foundation intake | 38 | 14 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | -21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1040 | 1063 |
| ICSEA percentile | 64th | 73th |
| Top SEA quarter | 21% | 23% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 24% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 15.4 | 12.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.7 | 8.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.2 | 6.4 |
| Language background other than English | 14% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 0% |
| Suburb | Hamilton 3300 | Tarrington 3301 |
| Council area | Southern Grampians | Southern Grampians |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.smhamilton.catholic.edu.au | www.tarringtonls.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Tarrington Lutheran School scores higher on the Success Index (66.2 vs 62.3).
- •Tarrington Lutheran School has the higher ICSEA (1063 vs 1040), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tarrington Lutheran School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 15.4).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 257 students compared with 106.
- •St Mary's School has grown faster over five years (21% vs -21%).
- •St Mary's School is a catholic school while Tarrington Lutheran School 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 Mary's School better than Tarrington Lutheran School?
On the Success Index, Tarrington Lutheran School ranks higher (66.2 vs 62.3 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 Mary's School and Tarrington Lutheran School?
About 4.7 km in a straight line, between Hamilton and Tarrington in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's School has 15.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tarrington Lutheran School has 12.9.
How do St Mary's School and Tarrington Lutheran School rank in VIC?
St Mary's School is 599th of 1,290 and Tarrington Lutheran School is 495th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.