Cornerstone College vs St Francis de Sales College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.3 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
St Francis de Sales College
Mount Barker · Catholic combined · R-12
1,047 students · ICSEA 1051
| Measure | Cornerstone College Mount Barker SA | St Francis de Sales College Mount Barker SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 55 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 84 | #43 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #303 of 1,472 | #553 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 7-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 754 | 1,047 |
| Girls / boys | 405 / 349 | 535 / 512 |
| Foundation intake | – | 67 |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | 121 |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | 69 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +51% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1051 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 69th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 20% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 14% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 15.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 68.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 40.1 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 4% |
| 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.stfrancis.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cornerstone College scores higher on the Success Index (69.1 vs 54.7).
- •Cornerstone College has the higher ICSEA (1094 vs 1051), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cornerstone College has fewer students per teacher (13.4 vs 15.3).
- •St Francis de Sales College is the larger school with 1,047 students compared with 754.
- •St Francis de Sales College has grown faster over five years (51% vs -11%).
- •Cornerstone College is a independent school while St Francis de Sales College is a catholic 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 St Francis de Sales College?
On the Success Index, Cornerstone College ranks higher (69.1 vs 54.7 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 St Francis de Sales College?
About 1.3 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 St Francis de Sales College has 15.3.
How do Cornerstone College and St Francis de Sales College rank in SA?
Cornerstone College is 15th of 84 and St Francis de Sales College is 43rd of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.