Caritas College vs Xavier College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 250 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
Xavier College
Gawler Belt · Catholic combined · R-12
2,532 students · ICSEA 1001
| Measure | Caritas College Port Augusta West SA | Xavier College Gawler Belt SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 38 Lower 50% | 38 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #90 of 145 | #92 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #894 of 1,259 | #896 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 541 | 2,532 |
| Girls / boys | 291 / 250 | 1,284 / 1,248 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 178 |
| Year 7 cohort | 62 | 352 |
| Year 12 cohort | 32 | 178 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | +157% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 995 | 1001 |
| ICSEA percentile | 45th | 47th |
| Top SEA quarter | 14% | 7% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 26% | 29% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 43.8 | 181.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.4 | 102.2 |
| Language background other than English | 11% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 16% | 6% |
| Suburb | Port Augusta West 5700 | Gawler Belt 5118 |
| Council area | Port Augusta | Light |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cc.catholic.edu.au | www.xavier.catholic.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (38.2 vs 38.2).
- •Xavier College has the higher ICSEA (1001 vs 995), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Caritas College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 14.0).
- •Xavier College is the larger school with 2,532 students compared with 541.
- •Xavier College has grown faster over five years (157% vs 22%).
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 Xavier College?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Caritas College and Xavier College?
About 250 km in a straight line, between Port Augusta West and Gawler Belt in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Caritas College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Xavier College has 14.0.
How do Caritas College and Xavier College rank in SA?
Caritas College is 90th of 145 and Xavier College is 92nd of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.