Centralian Middle School vs Yirara College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 5.9 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
Yirara College
Alice Springs · Independent high school · 7-12
190 students · ICSEA 654
| Measure | Centralian Middle School Alice Springs NT | Yirara College Alice Springs NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 24 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #13 of 23 | #18 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #1285 of 1,472 | #1333 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-9 | 7-12 |
| Students | 338 | 190 |
| Girls / boys | 170 / 168 | 72 / 118 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 118 | 29 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 21 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 816 | 654 |
| ICSEA percentile | 3th | 0th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 0% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 60% | 93% |
| Students per teacher | 9.0 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.7 | 17.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.2 | 72.0 |
| Language background other than English | 47% | 88% |
| Indigenous students | 59% | 100% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Alice Springs 0872 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Alice Springs |
| Remoteness | Remote | Remote |
| Website | www.cms.nt.edu.au/ | yirara.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Centralian Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (25.7 vs 24.3).
- •Centralian Middle School has the higher ICSEA (816 vs 654), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Centralian Middle School has fewer students per teacher (9.0 vs 10.8).
- •Centralian Middle School is the larger school with 338 students compared with 190.
- •Centralian Middle School has grown faster over five years (5% vs -4%).
- •Centralian Middle School is a government school while Yirara 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 Yirara College?
On the Success Index, Centralian Middle School ranks higher (25.7 vs 24.3 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 Yirara College?
About 5.9 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 Yirara College has 10.8.
How do Centralian Middle School and Yirara College rank in NT?
Centralian Middle School is 13th of 23 and Yirara College is 18th of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.