Balcatta Senior High School vs Lake Gwelup Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Western Australia, 1.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balcatta Senior High School
Balcatta · Government high school · 7-12
1,088 students · ICSEA 1045
Lake Gwelup Primary School
Gwelup · Government primary · K-6
552 students · ICSEA 1126
| Measure | Balcatta Senior High School Balcatta WA | Lake Gwelup Primary School Gwelup WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 71 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #20 of 140 | #69 of 583 |
| National rank (type) | #344 of 1,472 | #882 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | K-6 |
| Students | 1,088 | 552 |
| Girls / boys | 554 / 534 | 267 / 285 |
| Foundation intake | – | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | 201 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 131 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +59% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1045 | 1126 |
| ICSEA percentile | 66th | 91th |
| Top SEA quarter | 22% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 21% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.7 | 17.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 79.4 | 30.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 43.8 | 19.4 |
| Language background other than English | 55% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balcatta 6021 | Gwelup 6018 |
| Council area | Stirling | Stirling |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/overview.do?schoolID=4004 | www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/overview.do?schoolID=5269 |
The verdict
- •Lake Gwelup Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (71.4 vs 67.5).
- •Lake Gwelup Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1126 vs 1045), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Balcatta Senior High School has fewer students per teacher (13.7 vs 17.3).
- •Balcatta Senior High School is the larger school with 1,088 students compared with 552.
- •Balcatta Senior High School has grown faster over five years (59% vs 5%).
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 Balcatta Senior High School better than Lake Gwelup Primary School?
On the Success Index, Lake Gwelup Primary School ranks higher (71.4 vs 67.5 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 Balcatta Senior High School and Lake Gwelup Primary School?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Balcatta and Gwelup in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balcatta Senior High School has 13.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Lake Gwelup Primary School has 17.3.
How do Balcatta Senior High School and Lake Gwelup Primary School rank in WA?
Balcatta Senior High School is 20th of 140 and Lake Gwelup Primary School is 69th of 583 among secondary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.