Aldinga Payinthi College vs Tatachilla Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 6.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Aldinga Payinthi College
Aldinga · Government combined · U, R-12
831 students · ICSEA 954
Tatachilla Lutheran College
Mclaren Vale · Independent combined · R-12
1,103 students · ICSEA 1068
| Measure | Aldinga Payinthi College Aldinga SA | Tatachilla Lutheran College Mclaren Vale SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 26 Lower 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #136 of 145 | #41 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1163 of 1,259 | #540 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 831 | 1,103 |
| Girls / boys | 393 / 438 | 566 / 537 |
| Foundation intake | 29 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | 92 | 123 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 102 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | – | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 954 | 1068 |
| ICSEA percentile | 26th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 52% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 12.9 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 64.2 | 88.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 58.0 | 42.6 |
| Language background other than English | 2% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 2% |
| Suburb | Aldinga 5173 | Mclaren Vale 5171 |
| Council area | Onkaparinga | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | aldingapayinthicollege.sa.edu.au | www.tatachilla.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (55.6 vs 26.0).
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1068 vs 954), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,103 students compared with 831.
- •Aldinga Payinthi College is a government school while Tatachilla Lutheran College 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 Aldinga Payinthi College better than Tatachilla Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, Tatachilla Lutheran College ranks higher (55.6 vs 26.0 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 Aldinga Payinthi College and Tatachilla Lutheran College?
About 6.8 km in a straight line, between Aldinga and Mclaren Vale in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Aldinga Payinthi College has 12.9 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tatachilla Lutheran College has 12.5.
How do Aldinga Payinthi College and Tatachilla Lutheran College rank in SA?
Aldinga Payinthi College is 136th of 145 and Tatachilla Lutheran College is 41st of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.