Cornerstone College vs University Senior College at Adelaide University
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 28 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
University Senior College at Adelaide University
Adelaide University · Independent high school · 10-12
523 students · ICSEA 1092
| Measure | Cornerstone College Mount Barker SA | University Senior College at Adelaide University Adelaide University SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 69 Top 25% | 75 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #15 of 84 | #8 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #303 of 1,472 | #170 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 10-12 |
| Students | 754 | 523 |
| Girls / boys | 405 / 349 | 352 / 171 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 142 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | 202 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -11% | +16% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1094 | 1092 |
| ICSEA percentile | 82th | 82th |
| Top SEA quarter | 35% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 7% | 6% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 11.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.4 | 43.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 38.7 | 13.5 |
| Language background other than English | 8% | 31% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 1% |
| Suburb | Mount Barker 5251 | Adelaide University 5005 |
| Council area | Mount Barker | Adelaide |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.cornerstone.sa.edu.au | www.usc.adelaide.edu.au |
The verdict
- •University Senior College at Adelaide University scores higher on the Success Index (75.1 vs 69.1).
- •Cornerstone College has the higher ICSEA (1094 vs 1092), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •University Senior College at Adelaide University has fewer students per teacher (11.9 vs 13.4).
- •Cornerstone College is the larger school with 754 students compared with 523.
- •University Senior College at Adelaide University has grown faster over five years (16% 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 University Senior College at Adelaide University?
On the Success Index, University Senior College at Adelaide University ranks higher (75.1 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 University Senior College at Adelaide University?
About 28 km in a straight line, between Mount Barker and Adelaide University in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Cornerstone College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and University Senior College at Adelaide University has 11.9.
How do Cornerstone College and University Senior College at Adelaide University rank in SA?
Cornerstone College is 15th of 84 and University Senior College at Adelaide University is 8th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.