Highgate Primary School vs Mercedes College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Western Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highgate Primary School
Highgate · Government primary · K-6
943 students · ICSEA 1110
Mercedes College
Perth · Independent high school · 7-12
910 students · ICSEA 1122
| Measure | Highgate Primary School Highgate WA | Mercedes College Perth WA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 71 Top 25% | 81 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #81 of 583 | #1 of 140 |
| National rank (type) | #955 of 4,908 | #51 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | K-6 | 7-12 |
| Students | 943 | 910 |
| Girls / boys | 438 / 505 | 910 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 102 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 178 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 125 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +21% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1110 | 1122 |
| ICSEA percentile | 87th | 90th |
| Top SEA quarter | 46% | 49% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 8% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 58.1 | 76.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.8 | 36.0 |
| Language background other than English | 69% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Highgate 6003 | Perth 6000 |
| Council area | Vincent | Perth |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | highgateps.wa.edu.au/ | www.mercedes.wa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mercedes College scores higher on the Success Index (81.2 vs 70.7).
- •Mercedes College has the higher ICSEA (1122 vs 1110), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mercedes College has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 15.7).
- •Highgate Primary School is the larger school with 943 students compared with 910.
- •Highgate Primary School has grown faster over five years (21% vs 9%).
- •Highgate Primary School is a government school while Mercedes College is an independent 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 Highgate Primary School better than Mercedes College?
On the Success Index, Mercedes College ranks higher (81.2 vs 70.7 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 Highgate Primary School and Mercedes College?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Highgate and Perth in Western Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highgate Primary School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mercedes College has 11.9.
How do Highgate Primary School and Mercedes College rank in WA?
Highgate Primary School is 81st of 583 and Mercedes College is 1st of 140 among primary schools in Western Australia on the 2025 Success Index.