Lakeside College

Lakeside College is a co-educational private school located in Pakenham, on the outskirts of Melbourne, offering education from Prep to Year 12 with approximately 600 students enrolled. According to 2025 VCAA data, the school's median study score is 23, with 2.20% of students achieving scores above 40. As a private school, tuition fees are high, and popular schools typically require families to join waiting lists several years in advance, so parents are advised to contact the school early to understand the application process.

Regarding the community environment, Pakenham area has a total population of 54,118 according to 2021 ABS census data, with 1,144 Chinese residents representing 2.10% of the population, a relatively low proportion. The main ethnic groups include English (33.47%), Australian (32.17%), Scottish (7.72%), Irish (7.62%), and Indian (5.24%). In terms of safety, according to September 2025 Crime Statistics Agency data, the area's crime rate is 7,177 per 100,000 people, which is 1.05 times the Victorian average (6,810), indicating average safety conditions.

For housing costs, according to Data Vic Q1 2025 data, the median house price in the area is approximately $700,000, while apartments have a median price of around $500,000. For rentals, 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom houses rent for approximately $540 and $470 per week respectively, while 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments rent for around $500 and $450 per week respectively. Taking into account factors such as Chinese population proportion and community safety, AU Guide gives an overall rating of 33.50 points.