Darwin High School vs Darwin Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 227 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darwin High School
The Gardens · Government high school · U, 10-12
1,286 students · ICSEA 1050
Darwin Middle School
The Gardens · Government high school · 7-9
663 students · ICSEA 1065
| Measure | Darwin High School The Gardens NT | Darwin Middle School The Gardens NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 60 Top 50% | 58 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #3 of 23 | #5 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #507 of 1,472 | #567 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 10-12 | 7-9 |
| Students | 1,286 | 663 |
| Girls / boys | 659 / 627 | 349 / 314 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 208 |
| Year 12 cohort | 402 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | -23% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1050 | 1065 |
| ICSEA percentile | 68th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 28% | 35% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 14.6 | 16.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 87.5 | 40.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.2 | 17.0 |
| Language background other than English | 51% | 57% |
| Indigenous students | 6% | 7% |
| Suburb | The Gardens 0820 | The Gardens 0820 |
| Council area | Darwin | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.darwinhigh.nt.edu.au | www.darwinmiddle.nt.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Darwin High School scores higher on the Success Index (60.4 vs 57.5).
- •Darwin Middle School has the higher ICSEA (1065 vs 1050), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Darwin High School has fewer students per teacher (14.6 vs 16.5).
- •Darwin High School is the larger school with 1,286 students compared with 663.
- •Darwin High School has grown faster over five years (4% vs -23%).
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 Darwin High School better than Darwin Middle School?
On the Success Index, Darwin High School ranks higher (60.4 vs 57.5 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 Darwin High School and Darwin Middle School?
About 227 m in a straight line, between The Gardens and The Gardens in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darwin High School has 14.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Darwin Middle School has 16.5.
How do Darwin High School and Darwin Middle School rank in NT?
Darwin High School is 3rd of 23 and Darwin Middle School is 5th of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.