St Mary's School vs Wales Street Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Victoria, 817 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
Wales Street Primary School
Thornbury · Government primary · Prep-6
616 students · ICSEA 1140
| Measure | St Mary's School Thornbury VIC | Wales Street Primary School Thornbury VIC |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 72 Top 25% | 74 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #362 of 1,290 | #309 of 1,290 |
| National rank (type) | #854 of 4,908 | #689 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 113 | 616 |
| Girls / boys | 61 / 52 | 308 / 308 |
| Foundation intake | 8 | 90 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -54% | +3% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1089 | 1140 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 93th |
| Top SEA quarter | 36% | 58% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 16.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.6 | 37.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 7.1 | 13.3 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Thornbury 3071 | Thornbury 3071 |
| Council area | Darebin | Darebin |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.smthornbury.catholic.edu.au | www.walesstps.vic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Wales Street Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (73.5 vs 71.7).
- •Wales Street Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1140 vs 1089), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's School has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 16.6).
- •Wales Street Primary School is the larger school with 616 students compared with 113.
- •Wales Street Primary School has grown faster over five years (3% vs -54%).
- •St Mary's School is a catholic school while Wales Street 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is St Mary's School better than Wales Street Primary School?
On the Success Index, Wales Street Primary School ranks higher (73.5 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 Wales Street Primary School?
About 817 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 Wales Street Primary School has 16.6.
How do St Mary's School and Wales Street Primary School rank in VIC?
St Mary's School is 362nd of 1,290 and Wales Street Primary School is 309th of 1,290 among primary schools in Victoria on the 2025 Success Index.