Gungahlin College vs St John Paul II College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory, 2.9 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gungahlin College
Gungahlin · Government high school · 10-12
1,070 students · ICSEA 1061
St John Paul II College
Nicholls · Catholic high school · 7-12
880 students · ICSEA 1089
| Measure | Gungahlin College Gungahlin ACT | St John Paul II College Nicholls ACT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #24 of 27 | #8 of 27 |
| National rank (type) | #487 of 1,472 | #174 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,070 | 880 |
| Girls / boys | 555 / 515 | 433 / 447 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 208 |
| Year 12 cohort | 496 | 59 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | -2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1061 | 1089 |
| ICSEA percentile | 72th | 81th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 11.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 75.3 | 75.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 24.7 | 34.5 |
| Language background other than English | 37% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Gungahlin 2912 | Nicholls 2913 |
| Council area | Unincorporated ACT | Unincorporated ACT |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gungahlincollege.act.edu.au | www.jpc.act.edu.au |
The verdict
- •St John Paul II College scores higher on the Success Index (74.9 vs 61.2).
- •St John Paul II College has the higher ICSEA (1089 vs 1061), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St John Paul II College has fewer students per teacher (11.7 vs 13.4).
- •Gungahlin College is the larger school with 1,070 students compared with 880.
- •St John Paul II College has grown faster over five years (-2% vs -8%).
- •Gungahlin College is a government school while St John Paul II 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Gungahlin College better than St John Paul II College?
On the Success Index, St John Paul II College ranks higher (74.9 vs 61.2 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 Gungahlin College and St John Paul II College?
About 2.9 km in a straight line, between Gungahlin and Nicholls in Australian Capital Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gungahlin College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John Paul II College has 11.7.
How do Gungahlin College and St John Paul II College rank in ACT?
Gungahlin College is 24th of 27 and St John Paul II College is 8th of 27 among secondary schools in Australian Capital Territory on the 2025 Success Index.