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Brighton Secondary School vs McAuley Community School

A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 933 m apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.

MeasureBrighton Secondary School
North Brighton SA
McAuley Community School
Hove SA
Success Index
65
Top 50%
71
Top 25%
State rank (type)#20 of 84#55 of 348
National rank (type)#402 of 1,472#920 of 4,908
SectorGovernmentCatholic
TypeSecondaryPrimary
Year range7-12R-6
Students1,737451
Girls / boys868 / 869231 / 220
Foundation intake–71
Year 7 cohort308–
Year 12 cohort257–
VCE median study score
VCAA, latest year
––
VCE study scores 40+––
5-year enrolment growth+8%+29%
ICSEA
Average 1000
10711099
ICSEA percentile76th84th
Top SEA quarter30%38%
Bottom SEA quarter12%5%
Students per teacher15.516.0
Teaching staff (FTE)112.228.2
Non-teaching staff (FTE)39.416.9
Language background other than English19%5%
Indigenous students4%2%
SuburbNorth Brighton 5048Hove 5048
Council areaHoldfast BayHoldfast Bay
RemotenessMajor CitiesMajor Cities
Websitewww.brightonss.sa.edu.auwww.mcs.catholic.edu.au

The verdict

  • •McAuley Community School scores higher on the Success Index (71.0 vs 65.0).
  • •McAuley Community School has the higher ICSEA (1099 vs 1071), indicating a more advantaged community.
  • •Brighton Secondary School has fewer students per teacher (15.5 vs 16.0).
  • •Brighton Secondary School is the larger school with 1,737 students compared with 451.
  • •McAuley Community School has grown faster over five years (29% vs 8%).
  • •Brighton Secondary School is a government school while McAuley Community School is a catholic 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 Brighton Secondary School better than McAuley Community School?

On the Success Index, McAuley Community School ranks higher (71.0 vs 65.0 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 Brighton Secondary School and McAuley Community School?

About 933 m in a straight line, between North Brighton and Hove in South Australia.

Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?

Brighton Secondary School has 15.5 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and McAuley Community School has 16.0.

How do Brighton Secondary School and McAuley Community School rank in SA?

Brighton Secondary School is 20th of 84 and McAuley Community School is 55th of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.