Cornerstone College vs St Mark's Lutheran School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.5 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 Mark's Lutheran School
Mount Barker · Independent primary · R-6
351 students · ICSEA 1071
| Measure | Cornerstone College Mount Barker SA | St Mark's Lutheran School Mount Barker SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 65 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 84 | #92 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #303 of 1,472 | #1450 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 754 | 351 |
| Girls / boys | 405 / 349 | 171 / 180 |
| Foundation intake | – | 50 |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1071 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 14.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 23.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 8.7 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| 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.stmarks.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Cornerstone College scores higher on the Success Index (69.1 vs 65.1).
- •Cornerstone College has the higher ICSEA (1094 vs 1071), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Cornerstone College has fewer students per teacher (13.4 vs 14.9).
- •Cornerstone College is the larger school with 754 students compared with 351.
- •St Mark's Lutheran School has grown faster over five years (13% 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 St Mark's Lutheran School?
On the Success Index, Cornerstone College ranks higher (69.1 vs 65.1 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 St Mark's Lutheran School?
About 1.5 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 Mark's Lutheran School has 14.9.
How do Cornerstone College and St Mark's Lutheran School rank in SA?
Cornerstone College is 15th of 84 and St Mark's Lutheran School is 92nd of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.