Dara School vs Sacred Heart College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 2.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Dara School
Morphettville · Independent combined · R-10
93 students · ICSEA 1176
Sacred Heart College
Somerton Park · Catholic combined · 7-12
2,033 students · ICSEA 1083
| Measure | Dara School Morphettville SA | Sacred Heart College Somerton Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 64 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 145 | #24 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #73 of 1,259 | #384 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-10 | 7-12 |
| Students | 93 | 2,033 |
| Girls / boys | 28 / 65 | 940 / 1,093 |
| Foundation intake | 7 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 9 | 360 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 325 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +133% | +9% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1176 | 1083 |
| ICSEA percentile | 98th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 67% | 32% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 9% |
| Students per teacher | 8.1 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 11.3 | 155.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 6.7 | 83.9 |
| Language background other than English | 23% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Morphettville 5043 | Somerton Park 5044 |
| Council area | Marion | Holdfast Bay |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | daraschool.sa.edu.au | www.shc.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Dara School scores higher on the Success Index (82.0 vs 64.4).
- •Dara School has the higher ICSEA (1176 vs 1083), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Dara School has fewer students per teacher (8.1 vs 13.1).
- •Sacred Heart College is the larger school with 2,033 students compared with 93.
- •Dara School has grown faster over five years (133% vs 9%).
- •Dara School is a independent school while Sacred Heart 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 Dara School better than Sacred Heart College?
On the Success Index, Dara School ranks higher (82.0 vs 64.4 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 Dara School and Sacred Heart College?
About 2.3 km in a straight line, between Morphettville and Somerton Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Dara School has 8.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sacred Heart College has 13.1.
How do Dara School and Sacred Heart College rank in SA?
Dara School is 5th of 145 and Sacred Heart College is 24th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.