Balaklava High School vs Para Hills High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 75 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Balaklava High School
Balaklava · Government high school · U, 7-12
425 students · ICSEA 948
Para Hills High School
Para Hills West · Government high school · U, 7-12
670 students · ICSEA 948
| Measure | Balaklava High School Balaklava SA | Para Hills High School Para Hills West SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 32 Lower 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #64 of 84 | #49 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1137 of 1,472 | #933 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 425 | 670 |
| Girls / boys | 205 / 220 | 291 / 379 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 57 | 122 |
| Year 12 cohort | 64 | 71 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +28% | +36% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 948 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 24th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 50% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.5 | 53.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 30.0 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 41% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 10% |
| Suburb | Balaklava 5461 | Para Hills West 5096 |
| Council area | Wakefield | Salisbury |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balakhs.sa.edu.au | www.phhs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Para Hills High School scores higher on the Success Index (41.0 vs 31.8).
- •Para Hills High School is the larger school with 670 students compared with 425.
- •Para Hills High School has grown faster over five years (36% vs 28%).
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 Balaklava High School better than Para Hills High School?
On the Success Index, Para Hills High School ranks higher (41.0 vs 31.8 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 Balaklava High School and Para Hills High School?
About 75 km in a straight line, between Balaklava and Para Hills West in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balaklava High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Para Hills High School has 12.5.
How do Balaklava High School and Para Hills High School rank in SA?
Balaklava High School is 64th of 84 and Para Hills High School is 49th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.