St Mary's School vs Thornbury Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 459 m 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
Thornbury Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
308 students · ICSEA 1093
| Measure | St Mary's School Thornbury VIC | Thornbury Primary School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #362 of 1,290 | #303 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #854 of 4,908 | #665 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 113 | 308 |
| Girls / boys | 61 / 52 | 148 / 160 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 39 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -54% | -19% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1089 | 1093 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 47% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 8% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 13.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.6 | 22.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 8.1 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 11% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smthornbury.catholic.edu.au | www.thornburyps.vic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thornbury Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (73.7 vs 71.7).
- •Thornbury Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1093 vs 1089), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 13.9).
- •Thornbury Primary School is the larger school with 308 students compared with 113.
- •Thornbury Primary School has grown faster over five years (-19% vs -54%).
- •St Mary's School is a catholic school while Thornbury Primary School is a government 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Docklands
Frequently asked questions
Is St Mary's School better than Thornbury Primary School?
On the Success Index, Thornbury Primary School ranks higher (73.7 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 Thornbury Primary School?
About 459 m in a straight line, between Thornbury and Thornbury in Victoria.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
St Mary's School has 9.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thornbury Primary School has 13.9.
How do St Mary's School and Thornbury Primary School rank in VIC?
St Mary's School is 362nd of 1,290 and Thornbury Primary School is 303rd of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.