Encounter Lutheran College vs Victor Harbor High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 3.8 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
Victor Harbor High School
Victor Harbor · Government high school · U, 7-12
633 students · ICSEA 974
| Measure | Encounter Lutheran College Victor Harbor SA | Victor Harbor High School Victor Harbor SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 51 Top 50% | 41 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #49 of 145 | #48 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #622 of 1,259 | #928 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Independent | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | R-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 748 | 633 |
| Girls / boys | 379 / 369 | 299 / 334 |
| Foundation intake | 39 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 72 | 82 |
| Year 12 cohort | 43 | 101 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | -13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1048 | 974 |
| ICSEA percentile | 67th | 35th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 6% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 17% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 13.4 | 11.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 55.8 | 54.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 32.3 | 34.7 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 3% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 7% |
| 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.vhhs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Encounter Lutheran College scores higher on the Success Index (51.4 vs 41.1).
- •Encounter Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1048 vs 974), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Victor Harbor High School has fewer students per teacher (11.5 vs 13.4).
- •Encounter Lutheran College is the larger school with 748 students compared with 633.
- •Encounter Lutheran College has grown faster over five years (20% vs -13%).
- •Encounter Lutheran College is a independent school while Victor Harbor High School is a government 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 Encounter Lutheran College better than Victor Harbor High School?
On the Success Index, Encounter Lutheran College ranks higher (51.4 vs 41.1 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 Encounter Lutheran College and Victor Harbor High School?
About 3.8 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 Victor Harbor High School has 11.5.
How do Encounter Lutheran College and Victor Harbor High School rank in SA?
Encounter Lutheran College is 49th of 145 and Victor Harbor High School is 48th of 84 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.