Alawa Primary School vs Dripstone Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Northern Territory, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Alawa Primary School
Alawa · Government primary · T-6
259 students · ICSEA 1011
Dripstone Secondary College
Tiwi · Government high school · 7-9
605 students · ICSEA 994
| Measure | Alawa Primary School Alawa NT | Dripstone Secondary College Tiwi NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #9 of 52 | #7 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #2093 of 4,908 | #703 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Year range | T-6 | 7-9 |
| Students | 259 | 605 |
| Girls / boys | 138 / 121 | 287 / 318 |
| Foundation intake | 40 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -7% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1011 | 994 |
| ICSEA percentile | 52th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 24% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 13.5 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 19.2 | 42.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.8 | 19.8 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 46% |
| Indigenous students | 17% | 20% |
| Suburb | Alawa 0810 | Tiwi 0810 |
| Council area | Darwin | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.alawaprimary.nt.edu.au | www.dripstonemiddle.nt.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Alawa Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (57.9 vs 51.7).
- •Alawa Primary School has the higher ICSEA (1011 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Alawa Primary School has fewer students per teacher (13.5 vs 14.2).
- •Dripstone Secondary College is the larger school with 605 students compared with 259.
- •Dripstone Secondary College has grown faster over five years (16% vs -7%).
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 Alawa Primary School better than Dripstone Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Alawa Primary School ranks higher (57.9 vs 51.7 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 Alawa Primary School and Dripstone Secondary College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Alawa and Tiwi in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Alawa Primary School has 13.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dripstone Secondary College has 14.2.
How do Alawa Primary School and Dripstone Secondary College rank in NT?
Alawa Primary School is 9th of 52 and Dripstone Secondary College is 7th of 23 among primary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.