Centralian Middle School vs Yipirinya School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Northern Territory, 1.5 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
Yipirinya School
Alice Springs · Independent combined · T-10
186 students · ICSEA 729
| Measure | Centralian Middle School Alice Springs NT | Yipirinya School Alice Springs NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 32 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #13 of 23 | #14 of 40 |
| National rank (type) | #1285 of 1,472 | #1027 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-9 | T-10 |
| Students | 338 | 186 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 168 | 83 / 103 |
| Foundation intake | – | 6 |
| Year 7 cohort | 118 | 13 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | +75% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 816 | 729 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 2th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 60% | 70% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.7 | 15.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 64.0 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 51% |
| Indigenous students | 59% | 100% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Alice Springs 0871 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Alice Springs |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.cms.nt.edu.au/ | www.yipirinya.com.au |
The verdict
- •Yipirinya School scores higher on the Success Index (32.0 vs 25.7).
- •Centralian Middle School has the higher ICSEA (816 vs 729), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Centralian Middle School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 11.2).
- •Centralian Middle School is the larger school with 338 students compared with 186.
- •Yipirinya School has grown faster over five years (75% vs 5%).
- •Centralian Middle School is a government school while Yipirinya School 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 Yipirinya School?
On the Success Index, Yipirinya School ranks higher (32.0 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 Yipirinya School?
About 1.5 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 Yipirinya School has 11.2.
How do Centralian Middle School and Yipirinya School rank in NT?
Centralian Middle School is 13th of 23 and Yipirinya School is 14th of 40 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.