Gleeson College vs Mary MacKillop College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 15 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Gleeson College
Golden Grove · Catholic high school · 7-12
941 students · ICSEA 1055
Mary MacKillop College
Kensington · Catholic high school · 7-12
291 students · ICSEA 1077
| Measure | Gleeson College Golden Grove SA | Mary MacKillop College Kensington SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 68 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #17 of 84 | #6 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #318 of 1,472 | #158 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | 7-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 941 | 291 |
| Girls / boys | 485 / 456 | 291 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 183 | 40 |
| Year 12 cohort | 118 | 61 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +22% | -29% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1055 | 1077 |
| ICSEA percentile | 70th | 78th |
| Top SEA quarter | 20% | 29% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 15% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 11.7 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 80.0 | 26.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 33.2 | 18.4 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Golden Grove 5125 | Kensington 5068 |
| Council area | Tea Tree Gully | Norwood Payneham and St Peters |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.gleeson.sa.edu.au/ | www.marymackillop.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Mary MacKillop College scores higher on the Success Index (75.5 vs 68.3).
- •Mary MacKillop College has the higher ICSEA (1077 vs 1055), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mary MacKillop College has fewer students per teacher (10.8 vs 11.7).
- •Gleeson College is the larger school with 941 students compared with 291.
- •Gleeson College has grown faster over five years (22% vs -29%).
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 Gleeson College better than Mary MacKillop College?
On the Success Index, Mary MacKillop College ranks higher (75.5 vs 68.3 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 Gleeson College and Mary MacKillop College?
About 15 km in a straight line, between Golden Grove and Kensington in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Gleeson College has 11.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mary MacKillop College has 10.8.
How do Gleeson College and Mary MacKillop College rank in SA?
Gleeson College is 17th of 84 and Mary MacKillop College is 6th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.