MacKillop Catholic College vs Palmerston College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 4.0 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
MacKillop Catholic College
Johnston · Catholic high school · 7-12
795 students · ICSEA 1001
Palmerston College
Driver · Government high school · 7-12
1,267 students · ICSEA 884
| Measure | MacKillop Catholic College Johnston NT | Palmerston College Driver NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 59 Top 50% | 22 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #4 of 23 | #21 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #535 of 1,472 | #1378 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 795 | 1,267 |
| Girls / boys | 397 / 398 | 574 / 693 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 191 | 228 |
| Year 12 cohort | 87 | 140 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1001 | 884 |
| ICSEA percentile | 47th | 8th |
| Top SEA quarter | 12% | 4% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 10.4 | 11.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 76.2 | 110.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 48.9 | 76.3 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 13% | 39% |
| Suburb | Johnston 0832 | Driver 0830 |
| Council area | Palmerston | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.mackillopnt.catholic.edu.au | www.palmerstoncollege.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •MacKillop Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (59.1 vs 22.2).
- •MacKillop Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 884), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •MacKillop Catholic College has fewer students per teacher (10.4 vs 11.4).
- •Palmerston College is the larger school with 1,267 students compared with 795.
- •MacKillop Catholic College is a catholic school while Palmerston College is a government 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 MacKillop Catholic College better than Palmerston College?
On the Success Index, MacKillop Catholic College ranks higher (59.1 vs 22.2 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 MacKillop Catholic College and Palmerston College?
About 4.0 km in a straight line, between Johnston and Driver in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
MacKillop Catholic College has 10.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Palmerston College has 11.4.
How do MacKillop Catholic College and Palmerston College rank in NT?
MacKillop Catholic College is 4th of 23 and Palmerston College is 21st of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.