St Mary's School vs Swan Hill Christian School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 5.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
St Mary's School
Swan Hill · Catholic primary · Prep-6
603 students · ICSEA 1036
Swan Hill Christian School
Swan Hill · Independent primary · Prep-6
29 students · ICSEA 1017
| Measure | St Mary's School Swan Hill VIC | Swan Hill Christian School Swan Hill VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 62 Top 50% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #617 of 1,290 | – |
| National rank (type) | #1803 of 4,908 | – |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 603 | 29 |
| Girls / boys | 303 / 300 | 17 / 12 |
| Foundation intake | 79 | 3 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -26% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1036 | 1017 |
| ICSEA percentile | 62th | 55th |
| Top SEA quarter | 18% | 19% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 14.2 | 7.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 42.6 | 4.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 30.6 | 2.7 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 7% |
| Suburb | Swan Hill 3585 | Swan Hill 3585 |
| Council area | Swan Hill | Swan Hill |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.smswanhill.catholic.edu.au | shcs.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Mary's School scores higher on the Success Index (61.5 vs 55.2).
- •St Mary's School has the higher ICSEA (1036 vs 1017), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Swan Hill Christian School has fewer students per teacher (7.3 vs 14.2).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 603 students compared with 29.
- •St Mary's School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -26%).
- •St Mary's School is a catholic school while Swan Hill Christian 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 Swan Hill Christian School?
On the Success Index, St Mary's School ranks higher (61.5 vs 55.2 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 Swan Hill Christian School?
About 5.5 km in a straight line, between Swan Hill and Swan Hill in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's School has 14.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Swan Hill Christian School has 7.3.
How do St Mary's School and Swan Hill Christian School rank in VIC?
St Mary's School is 617th of 1,290 and Swan Hill Christian School is unranked among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.