Balaklava High School vs Thebarton Senior College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 86 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
Thebarton Senior College
Torrensville · Government high school · U, 11-12
1,284 students · ICSEA 951
| Measure | Balaklava High School Balaklava SA | Thebarton Senior College Torrensville SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 32 Lower 50% | 37 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #64 of 84 | #58 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1137 of 1,472 | #1022 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | U, 11-12 |
| Students | 425 | 1,284 |
| Girls / boys | 205 / 220 | 725 / 559 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 57 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 64 | 348 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +28% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 948 | 951 |
| ICSEA percentile | 24th | 25th |
| Top SEA quarter | 4% | 9% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 57% | 57% |
| Students per teacher | 12.7 | 10.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 33.5 | 106.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 17.9 | 29.1 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 72% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 1% |
| Suburb | Balaklava 5461 | Torrensville 5031 |
| Council area | Wakefield | West Torrens |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.balakhs.sa.edu.au | www.tsc.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Thebarton Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (37.1 vs 31.8).
- •Thebarton Senior College has the higher ICSEA (951 vs 948), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Thebarton Senior College has fewer students per teacher (10.3 vs 12.7).
- •Thebarton Senior College is the larger school with 1,284 students compared with 425.
- •Balaklava High School has grown faster over five years (28% vs 18%).
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 Thebarton Senior College?
On the Success Index, Thebarton Senior College ranks higher (37.1 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 Thebarton Senior College?
About 86 km in a straight line, between Balaklava and Torrensville in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Balaklava High School has 12.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Thebarton Senior College has 10.3.
How do Balaklava High School and Thebarton Senior College rank in SA?
Balaklava High School is 64th of 84 and Thebarton Senior College is 58th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.