Investigator College vs Tatachilla Lutheran College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 38 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Investigator College
Victor Harbor · Independent combined · R-12
668 students · ICSEA 1065
Tatachilla Lutheran College
Mclaren Vale · Independent combined · R-12
1,103 students · ICSEA 1068
| Measure | Investigator College Victor Harbor SA | Tatachilla Lutheran College Mclaren Vale SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 61 Top 50% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #29 of 145 | #41 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #448 of 1,259 | #540 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 668 | 1,103 |
| Girls / boys | 332 / 336 | 566 / 537 |
| Foundation intake | 30 | 51 |
| Year 7 cohort | 72 | 123 |
| Year 12 cohort | 53 | 102 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +2% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1065 | 1068 |
| ICSEA percentile | 74th | 75th |
| Top SEA quarter | 26% | 25% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 12.5 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 54.3 | 88.2 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 25.3 | 42.6 |
| Language background other than English | 6% | 4% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Victor Harbor 5211 | Mclaren Vale 5171 |
| Council area | Victor Harbor | Onkaparinga |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Major Cities |
| Website | www.investigator.sa.edu.au/ | www.tatachilla.sa.edu.au/ |
The verdict
- •Investigator College scores higher on the Success Index (60.9 vs 55.6).
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College has the higher ICSEA (1068 vs 1065), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Tatachilla Lutheran College is the larger school with 1,103 students compared with 668.
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 Investigator College better than Tatachilla Lutheran College?
On the Success Index, Investigator College ranks higher (60.9 vs 55.6 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 Investigator College and Tatachilla Lutheran College?
About 38 km in a straight line, between Victor Harbor and Mclaren Vale in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Investigator College has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Tatachilla Lutheran College has 12.5.
How do Investigator College and Tatachilla Lutheran College rank in SA?
Investigator College is 29th of 145 and Tatachilla Lutheran College is 41st of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.