John Pirie Secondary School vs Whyalla Secondary College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in South Australia, 48 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
Whyalla Secondary College
Whyalla Norrie · Government high school · U, 7-12
1,004 students · ICSEA 900
| Measure | John Pirie Secondary School Port Pirie SA | Whyalla Secondary College Whyalla Norrie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 28 Lower 50% | 8 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #68 of 84 | #84 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #1241 of 1,472 | #1472 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Government | Government |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | U, 7-12 | U, 7-12 |
| Students | 691 | 1,004 |
| Girls / boys | 335 / 356 | 467 / 537 |
| Foundation intake | – | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 127 | 112 |
| Year 12 cohort | 75 | 150 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +6% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 894 | 900 |
| ICSEA percentile | 10th | 11th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 3% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 68% | 63% |
| Students per teacher | 12.1 | 16.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 56.7 | 62.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 34.3 | 53.6 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 10% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 21% |
| Suburb | Port Pirie 5540 | Whyalla Norrie 5608 |
| Council area | Port Pirie | Whyalla |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | www.jpss.sa.edu.au | wsc.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •John Pirie Secondary School scores higher on the Success Index (27.6 vs 7.6).
- •Whyalla Secondary College has the higher ICSEA (900 vs 894), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •John Pirie Secondary School has fewer students per teacher (12.1 vs 16.0).
- •Whyalla Secondary College is the larger school with 1,004 students compared with 691.
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 Whyalla Secondary College?
On the Success Index, John Pirie Secondary School ranks higher (27.6 vs 7.6 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 Whyalla Secondary College?
About 48 km in a straight line, between Port Pirie and Whyalla Norrie 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 Whyalla Secondary College has 16.0.
How do John Pirie Secondary School and Whyalla Secondary College rank in SA?
John Pirie Secondary School is 68th of 84 and Whyalla Secondary College is 84th of 84 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.