O'Loughlin Catholic College vs Sanderson High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
O'Loughlin Catholic College
Karama · Catholic high school · 7-12
599 students · ICSEA 1025
Sanderson High School
Malak · Government high school · 7-9
328 students · ICSEA 863
| Measure | O'Loughlin Catholic College Karama NT | Sanderson High School Malak NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 19 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 23 | #22 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #479 of 1,472 | #1417 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-9 |
| Students | 599 | 328 |
| Girls / boys | 289 / 310 | 155 / 173 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 128 | 102 |
| Year 12 cohort | 52 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +3% | -17% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1025 | 863 |
| ICSEA percentile | 58th | 6th |
| Top SEA quarter | 25% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 15% | 54% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 49.8 | 29.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 31.4 | 16.0 |
| Language background other than English | 29% | 71% |
| Indigenous students | 18% | 48% |
| Suburb | Karama 0812 | Malak 0812 |
| Council area | Darwin | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.oloughlin.nt.edu.au/ | sandersonmiddle.nt.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •O'Loughlin Catholic College scores higher on the Success Index (61.4 vs 19.4).
- •O'Loughlin Catholic College has the higher ICSEA (1025 vs 863), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sanderson High School has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.0).
- •O'Loughlin Catholic College is the larger school with 599 students compared with 328.
- •O'Loughlin Catholic College has grown faster over five years (3% vs -17%).
- •O'Loughlin Catholic College is a catholic school while Sanderson High School 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 O'Loughlin Catholic College better than Sanderson High School?
On the Success Index, O'Loughlin Catholic College ranks higher (61.4 vs 19.4 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 O'Loughlin Catholic College and Sanderson High School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Karama and Malak in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
O'Loughlin Catholic College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sanderson High School has 11.0.
How do O'Loughlin Catholic College and Sanderson High School rank in NT?
O'Loughlin Catholic College is 1st of 23 and Sanderson High School is 22nd of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.