Adelaide Botanic High School vs University Senior College at Adelaide University
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 448 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Adelaide Botanic High School
Adelaide · Government high school · 7-12
1,258 students · ICSEA 1103
University Senior College at Adelaide University
Adelaide University · Independent high school · 10-12
523 students · ICSEA 1092
| Measure | Adelaide Botanic High School Adelaide SA | University Senior College at Adelaide University Adelaide University SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 75 Top 25% | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #7 of 84 | #8 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #166 of 1,472 | #170 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 10-12 |
| Students | 1,258 | 523 |
| Girls / boys | 568 / 690 | 352 / 171 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 249 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 187 | 202 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +135% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1103 | 1092 |
| ICSEA percentile | 85th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 42% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 15.7 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.0 | 43.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.5 | 13.5 |
| Language background other than English | 41% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 4% | 1% |
| Suburb | Adelaide 5000 | Adelaide University 5005 |
| Council area | Adelaide | Adelaide |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.abhs.sa.edu.au | www.usc.adelaide.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (75.1 vs 75.1).
- •Adelaide Botanic High School has the higher ICSEA (1103 vs 1092), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •University Senior College at Adelaide University has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 15.7).
- •Adelaide Botanic High School is the larger school with 1,258 students compared with 523.
- •Adelaide Botanic High School has grown faster over five years (135% vs 16%).
- •Adelaide Botanic High School is a government school while University Senior College at Adelaide University is an independent 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 Adelaide Botanic High School better than University Senior College at Adelaide University?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Adelaide Botanic High School and University Senior College at Adelaide University?
About 448 m in a straight line, between Adelaide and Adelaide University in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Adelaide Botanic High School has 15.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and University Senior College at Adelaide University has 11.9.
How do Adelaide Botanic High School and University Senior College at Adelaide University rank in SA?
Adelaide Botanic High School is 7th of 84 and University Senior College at Adelaide University is 8th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.