Cornerstone College vs Mount Barker High School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 1.7 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
Mount Barker High School
Mount Barker · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,061 students · ICSEA 1010
| Measure | Cornerstone College Mount Barker SA | Mount Barker High School Mount Barker SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 84 | #32 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #303 of 1,472 | #650 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 754 | 1,061 |
| Girls / boys | 405 / 349 | 487 / 574 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | 133 |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | 152 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +51% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1010 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 52th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 12% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 31% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 73.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 41.5 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 3% |
| Suburb | Mount Barker 5251 | Mount Barker 5251 |
| Council area | Mount Barker | Mount Barker |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cornerstone.sa.edu.au | www.mtbhs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cornerstone College scores higher on the Success Index (69.1 vs 54.2).
- •Cornerstone College has the higher ICSEA (1094 vs 1010), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cornerstone College has fewer students per teacher (13.4 vs 14.4).
- •Mount Barker High School is the larger school with 1,061 students compared with 754.
- •Mount Barker High School has grown faster over five years (51% vs -11%).
- •Cornerstone College is a independent school while Mount Barker High 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 Cornerstone College better than Mount Barker High School?
On the Success Index, Cornerstone College ranks higher (69.1 vs 54.2 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 Mount Barker High School?
About 1.7 km in a straight line, between Mount Barker and Mount Barker in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cornerstone College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mount Barker High School has 14.4.
How do Cornerstone College and Mount Barker High School rank in SA?
Cornerstone College is 15th of 84 and Mount Barker High School is 32nd of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.