Mark Oliphant College (B-12) vs St Columba College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mark Oliphant College (B-12)
Munno Para West · Government combined · U, R-12
1,685 students · ICSEA 919
St Columba College
Andrews Farm · Catholic combined · R-12
1,519 students · ICSEA 973
| Measure | Mark Oliphant College (B-12) Munno Para West SA | St Columba College Andrews Farm SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 23 Lower 50% | 29 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #141 of 145 | #129 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #1206 of 1,259 | #1098 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 1,685 | 1,519 |
| Girls / boys | 813 / 872 | 781 / 738 |
| Foundation intake | 95 | 100 |
| Year 7 cohort | 202 | 147 |
| Year 12 cohort | 126 | 113 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +5% | +7% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 919 | 973 |
| ICSEA percentile | 15th | 34th |
| Top SEA quarter | 3% | 5% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 65% | 45% |
| Students per teacher | 12.3 | 13.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 136.9 | 116.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 73.9 | 84.1 |
| Language background other than English | 30% | 40% |
| Indigenous students | 11% | 4% |
| Suburb | Munno Para West 5115 | Andrews Farm 5114 |
| Council area | Playford | Playford |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.moc.sa.edu.au | www.stcolumba.com.au |
The verdict
- •St Columba College scores higher on the Success Index (29.0 vs 23.2).
- •St Columba College has the higher ICSEA (973 vs 919), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mark Oliphant College (B-12) has fewer students per teacher (12.3 vs 13.0).
- •Mark Oliphant College (B-12) is the larger school with 1,685 students compared with 1,519.
- •Mark Oliphant College (B-12) is a government school while St Columba 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.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Windsor Gardens
Frequently asked questions
Is Mark Oliphant College (B-12) better than St Columba College?
On the Success Index, St Columba College ranks higher (29.0 vs 23.2 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 Mark Oliphant College (B-12) and St Columba College?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Munno Para West and Andrews Farm in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mark Oliphant College (B-12) has 12.3 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Columba College has 13.0.
How do Mark Oliphant College (B-12) and St Columba College rank in SA?
Mark Oliphant College (B-12) is 141st of 145 and St Columba College is 129th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.