Immanuel College vs St John the Baptist Catholic School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.4 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Immanuel College
Novar Gardens · Independent high school · 7-12
1,184 students · ICSEA 1117
St John the Baptist Catholic School
Plympton · Catholic primary · R-6
361 students · ICSEA 1081
| Measure | Immanuel College Novar Gardens SA | St John the Baptist Catholic School Plympton SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 5% | 72 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 84 | #49 of 348 |
| National rank (type) | #40 of 1,472 | #875 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | 7-12 | R-6 |
| Students | 1,184 | 361 |
| Girls / boys | 605 / 579 | 171 / 190 |
| Foundation intake | – | 58 |
| Year 7 cohort | 175 | – |
| Year 12 cohort | 207 | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +12% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1117 | 1081 |
| ICSEA percentile | 89th | 79th |
| Top SEA quarter | 45% | 30% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 4% | 7% |
| Students per teacher | 9.7 | 14.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 121.8 | 25.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.4 | 10.8 |
| Language background other than English | 9% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Novar Gardens 5040 | Plympton 5038 |
| Council area | West Torrens | West Torrens |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.immanuel.sa.edu.au | www.stjohnpl.catholic.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Immanuel College scores higher on the Success Index (82.2 vs 71.5).
- •Immanuel College has the higher ICSEA (1117 vs 1081), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Immanuel College has fewer students per teacher (9.7 vs 14.3).
- •Immanuel College is the larger school with 1,184 students compared with 361.
- •Immanuel College has grown faster over five years (20% vs 12%).
- •Immanuel College is a independent school while St John the Baptist Catholic School 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 Immanuel College better than St John the Baptist Catholic School?
On the Success Index, Immanuel College ranks higher (82.2 vs 71.5 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 Immanuel College and St John the Baptist Catholic School?
About 1.4 km in a straight line, between Novar Gardens and Plympton in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Immanuel College has 9.7 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St John the Baptist Catholic School has 14.3.
How do Immanuel College and St John the Baptist Catholic School rank in SA?
Immanuel College is 1st of 84 and St John the Baptist Catholic School is 49th of 348 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.