Palmerston Christian College vs Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
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.
Palmerston Christian College
Marlow Lagoon · Independent combined · T-10
365 students · ICSEA 1008
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Woodroffe · Catholic primary · T-6
165 students · ICSEA 983
| Measure | Palmerston Christian College Marlow Lagoon NT | Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Woodroffe NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 37 Lower 50% | 46 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #11 of 40 | #20 of 52 |
| National rank (type) | #924 of 1,259 | #3048 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Primary |
| Year range | T-10 | T-6 |
| Students | 365 | 165 |
| Girls / boys | 176 / 189 | 76 / 89 |
| Foundation intake | 22 | 24 |
| Year 7 cohort | 51 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +13% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1008 | 983 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 39th |
| Top SEA quarter | 9% | 14% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 18% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 15.0 | 12.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 24.3 | 13.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.3 | 6.6 |
| Language background other than English | 28% | 25% |
| Indigenous students | 10% | 16% |
| Suburb | Marlow Lagoon 0830 | Woodroffe 0830 |
| Council area | Palmerston | Palmerston |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.pcc.nt.edu.au/ | www.shpsnt.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School scores higher on the Success Index (45.5 vs 36.7).
- •Palmerston Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1008 vs 983), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 15.0).
- •Palmerston Christian College is the larger school with 365 students compared with 165.
- •Palmerston Christian College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -8%).
- •Palmerston Christian College is a independent school while Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School 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 Palmerston Christian College better than Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School?
On the Success Index, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School ranks higher (45.5 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 Palmerston Christian College and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Marlow Lagoon and Woodroffe in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Palmerston Christian College has 15.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has 12.1.
How do Palmerston Christian College and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School rank in NT?
Palmerston Christian College is 11th of 40 and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School is 20th of 52 among combined schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.