Student teacher ratios ranked: How every Geelong school class compares

An analysis of national data has revealed which Geelong schools are the most crowded. SEARCH YOUR SCHOOL

St Francis Xavier Primary has one of the best student-teacher ratios in Geelong, as each school’s ratio is revealed. Kheingekhai Khy Lout pictured enjoying learning. Picture: David Smith

The Geelong schools with the most crowded classrooms have been revealed, as the principal of a school with smaller class sizes outlines the benefits to students and staff.

An analysis of national data from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) shows that some of the region’s teachers are dealing with class sizes more than double that of industry peers.

Student-teacher ratios do not take into account teacher aides or non-teaching staff at schools, only the full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers.

The latest figures show that in 2021, there were more students per teacher at Point Lonsdale Primary School than any other school in the Geelong region.

According to the data, Point Lonsdale Primary School had 18.1 students per teacher.

Smaller class sizes can benefit both teachers and students, St Francis Xavier primary school’s principal says. Anastasia Nikpourian completely a lesson with her peers. Picture: David Smith

This was the highest in the region, with the school reporting 116 students enrolled and 6.4 FTE teachers.

The second highest student-teacher ratio was at St Therese School Torquay, which had ratio of 17.9 students per teacher.

Geelong South Primary School had the third highest ratio, at 17.5 students per teacher.

The Geelong region’s least crowded classroom was at Bell Park North Primary School, with an average of 6.9 students per teacher.

The national student-teacher ratio in 2021 was 13.3 students for every teacher.

Catholic schools had the highest national ratios for primary schools (5.4) followed by government (14.4) and independent (14).

At high school level, government schools had the highest ratio (12.4), followed by Catholic (12.2) and independent (10.5).

St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in Corio had one of the best ratios in the region, with 8.6 students per teacher.

Principal Mrs Maria Scala said better student-teacher ratios “don’t just happen”.

She said it required seeing it as a priority and finding ways and funding to make it happen.

“It is extremely beneficial as our staff really know their students well, and this allows us the opportunity to build strong positive relationships with all students and parents,” she said.

“The learning we provide here … is personalised and everyone really knows every student.

“It is every teacher’s dream to work with these ratios – it makes a very complex, demanding job more doable for the educators.”

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said: “Small schools play an important role in communities across the state and we’ll keep backing them with the principals and teachers they need to ensure all students have access to a great local school.”

Originally published as Student teacher ratios ranked: How every Geelong school class compares