Araluen Christian College vs Palmerston Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Northern Territory, 1284 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Araluen Christian College
Alice Springs · Independent combined · T-10
104 students · ICSEA 997
Palmerston Christian College
Marlow Lagoon · Independent combined · T-10
365 students · ICSEA 1008
| Measure | Araluen Christian College Alice Springs NT | Palmerston Christian College Marlow Lagoon NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 39 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #10 of 40 | #11 of 40 |
| National rank (type) | #873 of 1,259 | #924 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | T-10 | T-10 |
| Students | 104 | 365 |
| Girls / boys | 45 / 59 | 176 / 189 |
| Foundation intake | 9 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | 15 | 51 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -2% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 997 | 1008 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 15% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 20% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 16.3 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 6.4 | 24.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 5.0 | 17.3 |
| Language background other than English | 39% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 14% | 10% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Marlow Lagoon 0830 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Remote | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.acc.nt.edu.au/ | www.pcc.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Araluen Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (39.4 vs 36.7).
- •Palmerston Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1008 vs 997), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Palmerston Christian College has fewer students per teacher (15.0 vs 16.3).
- •Palmerston Christian College is the larger school with 365 students compared with 104.
- •Palmerston Christian College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -2%).
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 Araluen Christian College better than Palmerston Christian College?
On the Success Index, Araluen Christian College ranks higher (39.4 vs 36.7 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 Araluen Christian College and Palmerston Christian College?
About 1284 km in a straight line, between Alice Springs and Marlow Lagoon in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Araluen Christian College has 16.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston Christian College has 15.0.
How do Araluen Christian College and Palmerston Christian College rank in NT?
Araluen Christian College is 10th of 40 and Palmerston Christian College is 11th of 40 among combined schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.