Mercedes College vs Unley High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.0 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
Unley High School
Netherby · Government high school · 7-12
1,547 students · ICSEA 1084
| Measure | Mercedes College Springfield SA | Unley High School Netherby SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 67 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank (type) | #18 of 145 | #18 of 84 |
| National rank (type) | #318 of 1,259 | #324 of 1,472 |
| Sector | Catholic | Government |
| Type | Combined | Secondary |
| Year range | R-12 | 7-12 |
| Students | 1,111 | 1,547 |
| Girls / boys | 510 / 601 | 665 / 882 |
| Foundation intake | 25 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 117 | 249 |
| Year 12 cohort | 155 | 239 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -8% | +25% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1133 | 1084 |
| ICSEA percentile | 92th | 80th |
| Top SEA quarter | 54% | 34% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 5% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 12.0 | 14.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 92.9 | 106.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 55.5 | 35.6 |
| Language background other than English | 16% | 30% |
| Indigenous students | 0% | 1% |
| Suburb | Springfield 5062 | Netherby 5062 |
| Council area | Mitcham | Mitcham |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mercedes.catholic.edu.au | www.uhs.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Both schools have almost identical Success Index scores (67.4 vs 68.2).
- •Mercedes College has the higher ICSEA (1133 vs 1084), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mercedes College has fewer students per teacher (12.0 vs 14.4).
- •Unley High School is the larger school with 1,547 students compared with 1,111.
- •Unley High School has grown faster over five years (25% vs -8%).
- •Mercedes College is a catholic school while Unley High School is a government 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 Unley High School?
The two schools are very close on the Success Index. Differences in sector, size, year range and distance from home will matter more than the score.
How far apart are Mercedes College and Unley High School?
About 1.0 km in a straight line, between Springfield and Netherby in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mercedes College has 12.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Unley High School has 14.4.
How do Mercedes College and Unley High School rank in SA?
Mercedes College is 18th of 145 and Unley High School is 18th of 84 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.