Darwin Middle School vs Dripstone Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 9.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Darwin Middle School
The Gardens · Government high school · 7-9
663 students · ICSEA 1065
Dripstone Secondary College
Tiwi · Government high school · 7-9
605 students · ICSEA 994
| Measure | Darwin Middle School The Gardens NT | Dripstone Secondary College Tiwi NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 58 Top 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 23 | #7 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #567 of 1,472 | #703 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-9 | 7-9 |
| Students | 663 | 605 |
| Girls / boys | 349 / 314 | 287 / 318 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 208 | 226 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1065 | 994 |
| ICSEA percentile | 74th | 44th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 18% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 16.5 | 14.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 40.2 | 42.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.0 | 19.8 |
| Language background other than English | 57% | 46% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 20% |
| Suburb | The Gardens 0820 | Tiwi 0810 |
| Council area | Darwin | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.darwinmiddle.nt.edu.au | www.dripstonemiddle.nt.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Darwin Middle School scores higher on the Success Index (57.5 vs 51.7).
- •Darwin Middle School has the higher ICSEA (1065 vs 994), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dripstone Secondary College has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 16.5).
- •Darwin Middle School is the larger school with 663 students compared with 605.
- •Dripstone Secondary College has grown faster over five years (16% vs -23%).
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 Darwin Middle School better than Dripstone Secondary College?
On the Success Index, Darwin Middle School ranks higher (57.5 vs 51.7 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 Darwin Middle School and Dripstone Secondary College?
About 9.5 km in a straight line, between The Gardens and Tiwi in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Darwin Middle School has 16.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Dripstone Secondary College has 14.2.
How do Darwin Middle School and Dripstone Secondary College rank in NT?
Darwin Middle School is 5th of 23 and Dripstone Secondary College is 7th of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.