Christian Brothers College vs St Mary's College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Christian Brothers College
Adelaide · Catholic combined · R-12
990 students · ICSEA 1074
St Mary's College
Adelaide · Catholic combined · R-12
659 students · ICSEA 1073
| Measure | Christian Brothers College Adelaide SA | St Mary's College Adelaide SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #28 of 145 | #39 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #441 of 1,259 | #524 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 990 | 659 |
| Girls / boys | 0 / 990 | 659 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 26 | 13 |
| Year 7 cohort | 129 | 79 |
| Year 12 cohort | 109 | 100 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1074 | 1073 |
| ICSEA percentile | 77th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 31% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.3 | 60.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 54.8 | 32.1 |
| Language background other than English | 26% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Adelaide 5000 | Adelaide 5000 |
| Council area | Adelaide | Adelaide |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cbc.sa.edu.au | www.stmarys.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Christian Brothers College scores higher on the Success Index (61.2 vs 56.4).
- •Christian Brothers College has the higher ICSEA (1074 vs 1073), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •St Mary's College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 12.3).
- •Christian Brothers College is the larger school with 990 students compared with 659.
- •Christian Brothers College has grown faster over five years (5% 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 Christian Brothers College better than St Mary's College?
On the Success Index, Christian Brothers College ranks higher (61.2 vs 56.4 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 Christian Brothers College and St Mary's College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Adelaide and Adelaide in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Christian Brothers College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's College has 10.8.
How do Christian Brothers College and St Mary's College rank in SA?
Christian Brothers College is 28th of 145 and St Mary's College is 39th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.