Penola Catholic College

Penola Catholic College is a private co-educational school located in Broadmeadows, in Melbourne's northern suburbs, offering education from Years 7 to 12 with approximately 1,400 students enrolled. As a private school, tuition fees are relatively high, and popular schools typically require families to join waiting lists several years in advance, so families interested in enrollment are advised to contact the school early to understand the application process.

In terms of academic performance, according to 2025 VCAA data, the school's median score is 27, with 1.50% of students achieving scores above 40. Taking into consideration factors such as Chinese population ratio and community safety, AU Guide has given the school a comprehensive rating of 37.90.

The school is located in Broadmeadows, which according to 2021 ABS census data has a total population of 12,524, including 211 Chinese residents, representing 1.70% of the population - a relatively low proportion. The area's main ethnic groups include Australian (13.40%), British (10.94%), Lebanese (9.97%), Indian (3.30%), and Irish (2.33%).

It should be noted that according to September 2025 Crime Statistics Agency data, Broadmeadows has a crime rate of 23,251 per 100,000 people, which is 3.41 times the Victorian average (6,810), making safety a notable concern. Property prices in the area are relatively affordable - according to Data Vic's first quarter 2025 data, the median house price is approximately $600,000 and the median apartment price is around $500,000, with weekly rental rates for 3-bedroom houses and apartments at approximately $500 and $510 respectively.