Sanderson High School vs Top End School of Flexible Learning
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in Northern Territory, 1.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Sanderson High School
Malak · Government high school · 7-9
328 students · ICSEA 863
Top End School of Flexible Learning
Malak · Government high school · 5-12
123 students · ICSEA 789
| Measure | Sanderson High School Malak NT | Top End School of Flexible Learning Malak NT |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 19 Lower 50% | 28 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #22 of 23 | #12 of 23 |
| National rank (type) | #1417 of 1,472 | #1227 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-9 | 5-12 |
| Students | 328 | 123 |
| Girls / boys | 155 / 173 | 41 / 82 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 102 | 2 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 14 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -17% | +21% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 863 | 789 |
| ICSEA percentile | 6th | 3th |
| Top SEA quarter | 7% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 54% | 63% |
| Students per teacher | 11.0 | 3.6 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 29.8 | 29.0 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 16.0 | 19.0 |
| Language background other than English | 71% | 22% |
| Indigenous students | 48% | 82% |
| Suburb | Malak 0812 | Malak 0812 |
| Council area | Darwin | Darwin |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | sandersonmiddle.nt.edu.au/ | www.teachintheterritory.nt.gov.au/schools/top-end-school-flexible-learning-including-malak-re-engagement-centre-palmerston-outreach |
The verdict
- •Top End School of Flexible Learning scores higher on the Success Index (28.2 vs 19.4).
- •Sanderson High School has the higher ICSEA (863 vs 789), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Top End School of Flexible Learning has fewer students per teacher (3.6 vs 11.0).
- •Sanderson High School is the larger school with 328 students compared with 123.
- •Top End School of Flexible Learning has grown faster over five years (21% vs -17%).
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 Sanderson High School better than Top End School of Flexible Learning?
On the Success Index, Top End School of Flexible Learning ranks higher (28.2 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 Sanderson High School and Top End School of Flexible Learning?
About 1.1 km in a straight line, between Malak and Malak in Northern Territory.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Sanderson High School has 11.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Top End School of Flexible Learning has 3.6.
How do Sanderson High School and Top End School of Flexible Learning rank in NT?
Sanderson High School is 22nd of 23 and Top End School of Flexible Learning is 12th of 23 among secondary schools in Northern Territory on the 2025 Success Index.