Mercedes College vs Scotch College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 1.5 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
Scotch College
Torrens Park · Independent combined · R-12
1,213 students · ICSEA 1146
| Measure | Mercedes College Springfield SA | Scotch College Torrens Park SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 76 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #18 of 145 | #13 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #318 of 1,259 | #171 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 1,111 | 1,213 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 601 | 586 / 627 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | 28 |
| Year 7 cohort | 117 | 122 |
| Year 12 cohort | 155 | 151 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 1146 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 61% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 11.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 92.9 | 109.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.5 | 82.2 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 11% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Springfield 5062 | Torrens Park 5062 |
| Council area | Mitcham | Mitcham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au | www.scotch.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Scotch College scores higher on the Success Index (75.5 vs 67.4).
- •Scotch College has the higher ICSEA (1146 vs 1133), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Scotch College has fewer students per teacher (11.0 vs 12.0).
- •Scotch College is the larger school with 1,213 students compared with 1,111.
- •Scotch College has grown faster over five years (13% vs -8%).
- •Mercedes College is a catholic school while Scotch 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 Mercedes College better than Scotch College?
On the Success Index, Scotch College ranks higher (75.5 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 Scotch College?
About 1.5 km in a straight line, between Springfield and Torrens Park in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mercedes College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Scotch College has 11.0.
How do Mercedes College and Scotch College rank in SA?
Mercedes College is 18th of 145 and Scotch College is 13th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.