Centralian Senior College vs Palmerston College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 1283 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Centralian Senior College
Alice Springs · Government high school · 10-12
351 students · ICSEA 879
Palmerston College
Driver · Government high school · 7-12
1,267 students · ICSEA 884
| Measure | Centralian Senior College Alice Springs NT | Palmerston College Driver NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #14 of 23 | #21 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #1300 of 1,472 | #1378 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 351 | 1,267 |
| Girls / boys | 164 / 187 | 574 / 693 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 228 |
| Year 12 cohort | 82 | 140 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 879 | 884 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.9 | 110.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.8 | 76.3 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 39% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Driver 0830 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Remote | Outer Regional |
| Website | centralianseniorcollege.com.au/ | www.palmerstoncollege.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Centralian Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (25.3 vs 22.2).
- •Palmerston College has the higher ICSEA (884 vs 879), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Centralian Senior College has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 11.4).
- •Palmerston College is the larger school with 1,267 students compared with 351.
- •Palmerston College has grown faster over five years (4% vs -18%).
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 Senior College better than Palmerston College?
On the Success Index, Centralian Senior College ranks higher (25.3 vs 22.2 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 Senior College and Palmerston College?
About 1283 km in a straight line, between Alice Springs and Driver in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Centralian Senior College has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston College has 11.4.
How do Centralian Senior College and Palmerston College rank in NT?
Centralian Senior College is 14th of 23 and Palmerston College is 21st of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.