Good Shepherd Lutheran College vs Palmerston Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Northern Territory, 6.6 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
Palmerston Christian College
Marlow Lagoon · Independent combined · T-10
365 students · ICSEA 1008
| Measure | Good Shepherd Lutheran College Howard Springs NT | Palmerston Christian College Marlow Lagoon NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 47 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #8 of 40 | #11 of 40 |
| National rank (type) | #723 of 1,259 | #924 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | T-12 | T-10 |
| Students | 1,117 | 365 |
| Girls / boys | 575 / 542 | 176 / 189 |
| Foundation intake | 64 | 22 |
| Year 7 cohort | 150 | 51 |
| Year 12 cohort | 53 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1025 | 1008 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 51th |
| Top SEA quarter | 17% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 16% | 18% |
| Students per teacher | 12.4 | 15.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 90.1 | 24.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 48.6 | 17.3 |
| Language background other than English | 19% | 28% |
| Indigenous students | 7% | 10% |
| Suburb | Howard Springs 0835 | Marlow Lagoon 0830 |
| Council area | Litchfield | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.goodshepherd.nt.edu.au/ | www.pcc.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (46.8 vs 36.7).
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1025 vs 1008), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College has fewer students per teacher (12.4 vs 15.0).
- •Good Shepherd Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,117 students compared with 365.
- •Palmerston Christian College has grown faster over five years (13% vs 4%).
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 Palmerston Christian College?
On the Success Index, Good Shepherd Lutheran College ranks higher (46.8 vs 36.7 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran College and Palmerston Christian College?
About 6.6 km in a straight line, between Howard Springs and Marlow Lagoon 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 Palmerston Christian College has 15.0.
How do Good Shepherd Lutheran College and Palmerston Christian College rank in NT?
Good Shepherd Lutheran College is 8th of 40 and Palmerston Christian College is 11th of 40 among combined schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.