Caritas College vs Carlton School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Caritas College
Port Augusta West · Catholic combined · R-12
541 students · ICSEA 995
Carlton School
Port Augusta · Government combined · R-9
99 students · ICSEA 685
| Measure | Caritas College Port Augusta West SA | Carlton School Port Augusta SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 38 Lower 50% | 20 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #90 of 145 | #144 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #894 of 1,259 | #1245 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-9 |
| Students | 541 | 99 |
| Girls / boys | 291 / 250 | 55 / 44 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 17 |
| Year 7 cohort | 62 | 11 |
| Year 12 cohort | 32 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | +18% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 995 | 685 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 1th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 0% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 85% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 9.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 43.8 | 10.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.4 | 12.3 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 93% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 96% |
| Suburb | Port Augusta West 5700 | Port Augusta 5700 |
| Council area | Port Augusta | Port Augusta |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.cc.catholic.edu.au | www.carltonschool.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Caritas College scores higher on the Success Index (38.2 vs 19.5).
- •Caritas College has the higher ICSEA (995 vs 685), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Carlton School has fewer students per teacher (9.3 vs 12.3).
- •Caritas College is the larger school with 541 students compared with 99.
- •Caritas College is a catholic school while Carlton School is a government 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 Caritas College better than Carlton School?
On the Success Index, Caritas College ranks higher (38.2 vs 19.5 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 Caritas College and Carlton School?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Port Augusta West and Port Augusta in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caritas College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Carlton School has 9.3.
How do Caritas College and Carlton School rank in SA?
Caritas College is 90th of 145 and Carlton School is 144th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.