Mercedes College vs Saint Ignatius' College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 13 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mercedes College
Springfield · Catholic combined · R-12
1,111 students · ICSEA 1133
Saint Ignatius' College
Athelstone · Catholic combined · R-12
1,421 students · ICSEA 1151
| Measure | Mercedes College Springfield SA | Saint Ignatius' College Athelstone SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 78 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #18 of 145 | #11 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #318 of 1,259 | #142 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 1,111 | 1,421 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 601 | 656 / 765 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 71 |
| Year 7 cohort | 117 | 182 |
| Year 12 cohort | 155 | 148 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +4% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 1151 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 59% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.2 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 92.9 | 126.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.5 | 70.9 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 23% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 0% |
| Suburb | Springfield 5062 | Athelstone 5076 |
| Council area | Mitcham | Campbelltown (SA) |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au | www.ignatius.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Saint Ignatius' College scores higher on the Success Index (77.6 vs 67.4).
- •Saint Ignatius' College has the higher ICSEA (1151 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Saint Ignatius' College has fewer students per teacher (11.2 vs 12.0).
- •Saint Ignatius' College is the larger school with 1,421 students compared with 1,111.
- •Saint Ignatius' College has grown faster over five years (4% vs -8%).
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 Mercedes College better than Saint Ignatius' College?
On the Success Index, Saint Ignatius' College ranks higher (77.6 vs 67.4 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 Mercedes College and Saint Ignatius' College?
About 13 km in a straight line, between Springfield and Athelstone in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mercedes College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Saint Ignatius' College has 11.2.
How do Mercedes College and Saint Ignatius' College rank in SA?
Mercedes College is 18th of 145 and Saint Ignatius' College is 11th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.