Encounter Lutheran College vs Pinnacle College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 90 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
Pinnacle College
Elizabeth East · Independent combined · R-12
993 students · ICSEA 1049
| Measure | Encounter Lutheran College Victor Harbor SA | Pinnacle College Elizabeth East SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #49 of 145 | #33 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #622 of 1,259 | #485 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 748 | 993 |
| Girls / boys | 379 / 369 | 539 / 454 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | 79 |
| Year 7 cohort | 72 | 99 |
| Year 12 cohort | 43 | 40 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +46% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 1049 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 68th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 20% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 55.8 | 79.3 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 55.5 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 86% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 0% |
| Suburb | Victor Harbor 5211 | Elizabeth East 5112 |
| Council area | Victor Harbor | Playford |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.encounter.sa.edu.au | www.pinnacle.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Pinnacle College scores higher on the Success Index (58.5 vs 51.4).
- •Pinnacle College has the higher ICSEA (1049 vs 1048), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Pinnacle College has fewer students per teacher (12.5 vs 13.4).
- •Pinnacle College is the larger school with 993 students compared with 748.
- •Pinnacle College has grown faster over five years (46% vs 20%).
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 Pinnacle College?
On the Success Index, Pinnacle College ranks higher (58.5 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 Pinnacle College?
About 90 km in a straight line, between Victor Harbor and Elizabeth East in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Encounter Lutheran College has 13.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Pinnacle College has 12.5.
How do Encounter Lutheran College and Pinnacle College rank in SA?
Encounter Lutheran College is 49th of 145 and Pinnacle College is 33rd of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.