Centralian Middle School vs St Philip's College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 2.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Centralian Middle School
Alice Springs · Government high school · 7-9
338 students · ICSEA 816
St Philip's College
Alice Springs · Independent high school · 7-12
502 students · ICSEA 1031
| Measure | Centralian Middle School Alice Springs NT | St Philip's College Alice Springs NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #13 of 23 | #2 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #1285 of 1,472 | #482 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-9 | 7-12 |
| Students | 338 | 502 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 168 | 260 / 242 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 118 | 87 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 62 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 816 | 1031 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 60th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 28% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 60% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 10.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.7 | 47.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 46.6 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 59% | 15% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Alice Springs 0871 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Alice Springs |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.cms.nt.edu.au/ | www.stphilips.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •St Philip's College scores higher on the Success Index (61.3 vs 25.7).
- •St Philip's College has the higher ICSEA (1031 vs 816), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Centralian Middle School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 10.5).
- •St Philip's College is the larger school with 502 students compared with 338.
- •Centralian Middle School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -22%).
- •Centralian Middle School is a government school while St Philip's College is an independent 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 Centralian Middle School better than St Philip's College?
On the Success Index, St Philip's College ranks higher (61.3 vs 25.7 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 Centralian Middle School and St Philip's College?
About 2.7 km in a straight line, between Alice Springs and Alice Springs in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Centralian Middle School has 9.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Philip's College has 10.5.
How do Centralian Middle School and St Philip's College rank in NT?
Centralian Middle School is 13th of 23 and St Philip's College is 2nd of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.