Covenant Christian School vs St Mary MacKillop College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Australian Capital Territory, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Covenant Christian School
Gordon · Independent combined · K-10
320 students · ICSEA 1090
St Mary MacKillop College
Isabella Plains · Catholic high school · 7-12
2,088 students · ICSEA 1068
| Measure | Covenant Christian School Gordon ACT | St Mary MacKillop College Isabella Plains ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #12 of 23 | #20 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #285 of 1,259 | #338 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | K-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 320 | 2,088 |
| Girls / boys | 154 / 166 | 1,112 / 976 |
| Foundation intake | 27 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 36 | 359 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 306 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +65% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1090 | 1068 |
| ICSEA percentile | 81th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 33% | 27% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 13.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.9 | 150.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.2 | 61.0 |
| Language background other than English | 54% | 8% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 4% |
| Suburb | Gordon 2906 | Isabella Plains 2905 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.covenant.act.edu.au | www.mackillop.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Covenant Christian School scores higher on the Success Index (68.9 vs 67.7).
- •Covenant Christian School has the higher ICSEA (1090 vs 1068), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Covenant Christian School has fewer students per teacher (12.9 vs 13.8).
- •St Mary MacKillop College is the larger school with 2,088 students compared with 320.
- •Covenant Christian School has grown faster over five years (65% vs 13%).
- •Covenant Christian School is a independent school while St Mary MacKillop College is a catholic 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Dickson
Frequently asked questions
Is Covenant Christian School better than St Mary MacKillop College?
On the Success Index, Covenant Christian School ranks higher (68.9 vs 67.7 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 Covenant Christian School and St Mary MacKillop College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Gordon and Isabella Plains in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Covenant Christian School has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary MacKillop College has 13.8.
How do Covenant Christian School and St Mary MacKillop College rank in ACT?
Covenant Christian School is 12th of 23 and St Mary MacKillop College is 20th of 27 among combined schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.