Encounter Lutheran College vs Investigator College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 4.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Encounter Lutheran College
Victor Harbor · Independent combined · R-12
748 students · ICSEA 1048
Investigator College
Victor Harbor · Independent combined · R-12
668 students · ICSEA 1065
| Measure | Encounter Lutheran College Victor Harbor SA | Investigator College Victor Harbor SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 61 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #49 of 145 | #29 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #622 of 1,259 | #448 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 748 | 668 |
| Girls / boys | 379 / 369 | 332 / 336 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 30 |
| Year 7 cohort | 72 | 72 |
| Year 12 cohort | 43 | 53 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +2% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1065 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 13% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 12.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 55.8 | 54.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 25.3 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 6% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Victor Harbor 5211 | Victor Harbor 5211 |
| Council area | Victor Harbor | Victor Harbor |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.encounter.sa.edu.au | www.investigator.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Investigator College scores higher on the Success Index (60.9 vs 51.4).
- •Investigator College has the higher ICSEA (1065 vs 1048), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Investigator College has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.4).
- •Encounter Lutheran College is the larger school with 748 students compared with 668.
- •Encounter Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (20% vs 2%).
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 Encounter Lutheran College better than Investigator College?
On the Success Index, Investigator College ranks higher (60.9 vs 51.4 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 Encounter Lutheran College and Investigator College?
About 4.5 km in a straight line, between Victor Harbor and Victor Harbor in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Encounter Lutheran College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Investigator College has 12.3.
How do Encounter Lutheran College and Investigator College rank in SA?
Encounter Lutheran College is 49th of 145 and Investigator College is 29th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.