Good Shepherd Lutheran College vs MacKillop Catholic College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Northern Territory, 1.7 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Good Shepherd Lutheran College
Howard Springs · Independent combined · T-12
1,117 students · ICSEA 1025
MacKillop Catholic College
Johnston · Catholic high school · 7-12
795 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Good Shepherd Lutheran College Howard Springs NT | MacKillop Catholic College Johnston NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #8 of 40 | #4 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #723 of 1,259 | #535 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | T-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,117 | 795 |
| Girls / boys | 575 / 542 | 397 / 398 |
| Foundation intake | 64 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 150 | 191 |
| Year 12 cohort | 53 | 87 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1025 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 22% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 10.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 90.1 | 76.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 48.6 | 48.9 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 18% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 13% |
| Suburb | Howard Springs 0835 | Johnston 0832 |
| Council area | Litchfield | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.goodshepherd.nt.edu.au/ | www.mackillopnt.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •MacKillop Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (59.1 vs 46.8).
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1025 vs 1001), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •MacKillop Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 12.4).
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,117 students compared with 795.
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a independent school while MacKillop Catholic College is a catholic 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran College better than MacKillop Catholic College?
On the Success Index, MacKillop Catholic College ranks higher (59.1 vs 46.8 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran College and MacKillop Catholic College?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Howard Springs and Johnston in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Good Shepherd Lutheran College has 12.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and MacKillop Catholic College has 10.4.
How do Good Shepherd Lutheran College and MacKillop Catholic College rank in NT?
Good Shepherd Lutheran College is 8th of 40 and MacKillop Catholic College is 4th of 23 among combined schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.