Cornerstone College vs Immanuel College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 31 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Cornerstone College
Mount Barker · Independent high school · 7-12
754 students · ICSEA 1094
Immanuel College
Novar Gardens · Independent high school · 7-12
1,184 students · ICSEA 1117
| Measure | Cornerstone College Mount Barker SA | Immanuel College Novar Gardens SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 82 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 84 | #1 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #303 of 1,472 | #40 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 754 | 1,184 |
| Girls / boys | 405 / 349 | 605 / 579 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | 175 |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | 207 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +20% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1117 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 89th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 45% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 4% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 9.7 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 121.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 55.4 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 9% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Mount Barker 5251 | Novar Gardens 5040 |
| Council area | Mount Barker | West Torrens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cornerstone.sa.edu.au | www.immanuel.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Immanuel College scores higher on the Success Index (82.2 vs 69.1).
- •Immanuel College has the higher ICSEA (1117 vs 1094), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Immanuel College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 13.4).
- •Immanuel College is the larger school with 1,184 students compared with 754.
- •Immanuel College has grown faster over five years (20% vs -11%).
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 Cornerstone College better than Immanuel College?
On the Success Index, Immanuel College ranks higher (82.2 vs 69.1 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 Cornerstone College and Immanuel College?
About 31 km in a straight line, between Mount Barker and Novar Gardens in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cornerstone College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Immanuel College has 9.7.
How do Cornerstone College and Immanuel College rank in SA?
Cornerstone College is 15th of 84 and Immanuel College is 1st of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.