Carlton School vs Kaurna Plains School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 262 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Carlton School
Port Augusta · Government combined · R-9
99 students · ICSEA 685
Kaurna Plains School
Elizabeth · Government combined · U, R-12
162 students · ICSEA 699
| Measure | Carlton School Port Augusta SA | Kaurna Plains School Elizabeth SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 20 Lower 50% | 31 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #144 of 145 | #120 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1245 of 1,259 | #1047 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-9 | U, R-12 |
| Students | 99 | 162 |
| Girls / boys | 55 / 44 | 74 / 88 |
| Foundation intake | 17 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | 11 | 9 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 11 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +18% | +80% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 685 | 699 |
| ICSEA percentile | 1th | 1th |
| Top SEA quarter | 0% | 1% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 85% | 85% |
| Students per teacher | 9.3 | 8.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 10.6 | 19.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 12.3 | 23.7 |
| Language background other than English | 93% | 85% |
| Indigenous students | 96% | 98% |
| Suburb | Port Augusta 5700 | Elizabeth 5112 |
| Council area | Port Augusta | Playford |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.carltonschool.sa.edu.au | www.kaurnaas.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Kaurna Plains School scores higher on the Success Index (31.2 vs 19.5).
- •Kaurna Plains School has the higher ICSEA (699 vs 685), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Kaurna Plains School has fewer students per teacher (8.3 vs 9.3).
- •Kaurna Plains School is the larger school with 162 students compared with 99.
- •Kaurna Plains School has grown faster over five years (80% 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 Carlton School better than Kaurna Plains School?
On the Success Index, Kaurna Plains School ranks higher (31.2 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 Carlton School and Kaurna Plains School?
About 262 km in a straight line, between Port Augusta and Elizabeth in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Carlton School has 9.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Kaurna Plains School has 8.3.
How do Carlton School and Kaurna Plains School rank in SA?
Carlton School is 144th of 145 and Kaurna Plains School is 120th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.