Blue Gum Montessori School vs South Lake Primary School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Western Australia, 2.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Blue Gum Montessori School
Bibra Lake · Independent primary · PP-6
192 students · ICSEA 1156
South Lake Primary School
South Lake · Government primary · K-6
280 students · ICSEA 979
| Measure | Blue Gum Montessori School Bibra Lake WA | South Lake Primary School South Lake WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 78 Top 10% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #12 of 583 | #370 of 583 |
| National rank (type) | #310 of 4,908 | #3368 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | PP-6 | K-6 |
| Students | 192 | 280 |
| Girls / boys | 79 / 113 | 146 / 134 |
| Foundation intake | 31 | 41 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1156 | 979 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 37th |
| Top SEA quarter | 62% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 36% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 16.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 16.4 | 15.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.5 | 15.6 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 15% |
| Suburb | Bibra Lake 6163 | South Lake 6164 |
| Council area | Cockburn | Cockburn |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.bgms.wa.edu.au | www.southlakeps.wa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Blue Gum Montessori School scores higher on the Success Index (78.2 vs 40.8).
- •Blue Gum Montessori School has the higher ICSEA (1156 vs 979), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Blue Gum Montessori School has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 16.9).
- •South Lake Primary School is the larger school with 280 students compared with 192.
- •South Lake Primary School has grown faster over five years (1% vs -17%).
- •Blue Gum Montessori School is a independent school while South Lake 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 Blue Gum Montessori School better than South Lake Primary School?
On the Success Index, Blue Gum Montessori School ranks higher (78.2 vs 40.8 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 Blue Gum Montessori School and South Lake Primary School?
About 2.2 km in a straight line, between Bibra Lake and South Lake in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Blue Gum Montessori School has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and South Lake Primary School has 16.9.
How do Blue Gum Montessori School and South Lake Primary School rank in WA?
Blue Gum Montessori School is 12th of 583 and South Lake Primary School is 370th of 583 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.