Highgate School vs Mercedes College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.6 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Highgate School
Highgate · Government primary · U, R-6
616 students · ICSEA 1150
Mercedes College
Springfield · Catholic combined · R-12
1,111 students · ICSEA 1133
| Measure | Highgate School Highgate SA | Mercedes College Springfield SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 74 Top 25% | 67 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #33 of 348 | #18 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #624 of 4,908 | #318 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-12 |
| Students | 616 | 1,111 |
| Girls / boys | 309 / 307 | 510 / 601 |
| Foundation intake | 91 | 25 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 117 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | 155 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -20% | -8% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1150 | 1133 |
| ICSEA percentile | 95th | 92th |
| Top SEA quarter | 63% | 54% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 5% |
| Students per teacher | 16.6 | 12.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 37.2 | 92.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 14.0 | 55.5 |
| Language background other than English | 51% | 16% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 0% |
| Suburb | Highgate 5063 | Springfield 5062 |
| Council area | Unley | Mitcham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.highgates.sa.edu.au | www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Highgate School scores higher on the Success Index (74.0 vs 67.4).
- •Highgate School has the higher ICSEA (1150 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mercedes College has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 16.6).
- •Mercedes College is the larger school with 1,111 students compared with 616.
- •Mercedes College has grown faster over five years (-8% vs -20%).
- •Highgate School is a government school while Mercedes 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 Highgate School better than Mercedes College?
On the Success Index, Highgate School ranks higher (74.0 vs 67.4 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 Highgate School and Mercedes College?
About 1.6 km in a straight line, between Highgate and Springfield in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Highgate School has 16.6 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mercedes College has 12.0.
How do Highgate School and Mercedes College rank in SA?
Highgate School is 33rd of 348 and Mercedes College is 18th of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.