John Pirie Secondary School vs Mid North Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 3.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
John Pirie Secondary School
Port Pirie · Government high school · U, 7-12
691 students · ICSEA 894
Mid North Christian College
Port Pirie · Independent combined · R-12
203 students · ICSEA 998
| Measure | John Pirie Secondary School Port Pirie SA | Mid North Christian College Port Pirie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #68 of 84 | #73 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1241 of 1,472 | #800 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 691 | 203 |
| Girls / boys | 335 / 356 | 105 / 98 |
| Foundation intake | – | 15 |
| Year 7 cohort | 127 | 23 |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | 12 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | -24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 894 | 998 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 46th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 32% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 11.3 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.7 | 17.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.3 | 15.9 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 13% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 8% |
| Suburb | Port Pirie 5540 | Port Pirie 5540 |
| Council area | Port Pirie | Port Pirie |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.jpss.sa.edu.au | www.midnorthcc.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Mid North Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (43.2 vs 27.6).
- •Mid North Christian College has the higher ICSEA (998 vs 894), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mid North Christian College has fewer students per teacher (11.3 vs 12.1).
- •John Pirie Secondary School is the larger school with 691 students compared with 203.
- •John Pirie Secondary School has grown faster over five years (6% vs -24%).
- •John Pirie Secondary School is a government school while Mid North Christian College is an independent 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 John Pirie Secondary School better than Mid North Christian College?
On the Success Index, Mid North Christian College ranks higher (43.2 vs 27.6 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 John Pirie Secondary School and Mid North Christian College?
About 3.5 km in a straight line, between Port Pirie and Port Pirie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
John Pirie Secondary School has 12.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Mid North Christian College has 11.3.
How do John Pirie Secondary School and Mid North Christian College rank in SA?
John Pirie Secondary School is 68th of 84 and Mid North Christian College is 73rd of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.