Centralian Senior College vs Sanderson High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 1297 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
Sanderson High School
Malak · Government high school · 7-9
328 students · ICSEA 863
| Measure | Centralian Senior College Alice Springs NT | Sanderson High School Malak NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 25 Lower 50% | 19 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #14 of 23 | #22 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #1300 of 1,472 | #1417 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 10-12 | 7-9 |
| Students | 351 | 328 |
| Girls / boys | 164 / 187 | 155 / 173 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 102 |
| Year 12 cohort | 82 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -18% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 879 | 863 |
| ICSEA percentile | 7th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 48% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 9.1 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 35.9 | 29.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 29.8 | 16.0 |
| Language background other than English | 32% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 47% | 48% |
| Suburb | Alice Springs 0870 | Malak 0812 |
| Council area | Alice Springs | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Remote | Outer Regional |
| Website | centralianseniorcollege.com.au/ | sandersonmiddle.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Centralian Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (25.3 vs 19.4).
- •Centralian Senior College has the higher ICSEA (879 vs 863), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Centralian Senior College has fewer students per teacher (9.1 vs 11.0).
- •Centralian Senior College is the larger school with 351 students compared with 328.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is Centralian Senior College better than Sanderson High School?
On the Success Index, Centralian Senior College ranks higher (25.3 vs 19.4 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 Sanderson High School?
About 1297 km in a straight line, between Alice Springs and Malak in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Centralian Senior College has 9.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sanderson High School has 11.0.
How do Centralian Senior College and Sanderson High School rank in NT?
Centralian Senior College is 14th of 23 and Sanderson High School is 22nd of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.