St Mary's School vs St Thomas More'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 Mary's School
Thornbury · Catholic primary · Prep-6
113 students · ICSEA 1089
St Thomas More's School
Belgrave · Catholic primary · Prep-6
101 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | St Mary's School Thornbury VIC | St Thomas More's School Belgrave VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #362 of 1,290 | #286 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #854 of 4,908 | #619 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 113 | 101 |
| Girls / boys | 61 / 52 | 52 / 49 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 9 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -54% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1089 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 9.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.6 | 10.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 7.0 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 7% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Belgrave 3160 |
| Council area | Darebin | Yarra Ranges |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smthornbury.catholic.edu.au | www.smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St Thomas More's School scores higher on the Success Index (74.1 vs 71.7).
- •St Mary's School is the larger school with 113 students compared with 101.
- •St Thomas More's School has grown faster over five years (7% vs -54%).
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 St Thomas More's School?
On the Success Index, St Thomas More's School ranks higher (74.1 vs 71.7 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 St Thomas More's School?
About 35 km in a straight line, between Thornbury and Belgrave in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's School has 9.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Thomas More's School has 9.6.
How do St Mary's School and St Thomas More's School rank in VIC?
St Mary's School is 362nd of 1,290 and St Thomas More's School is 286th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.