Mount Carmel College vs Portside Christian College
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in South Australia, 2.5 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Mount Carmel College
Rosewater · Catholic combined · R-12
1,204 students · ICSEA 1008
Portside Christian College
New Port · Independent combined · R-12
626 students · ICSEA 1067
| Measure | Mount Carmel College Rosewater SA | Portside Christian College New Port SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 46 Lower 50% | 54 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #62 of 145 | #46 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #750 of 1,259 | #580 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | R-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 1,204 | 626 |
| Girls / boys | 557 / 647 | 326 / 300 |
| Foundation intake | 61 | 47 |
| Year 7 cohort | 167 | 60 |
| Year 12 cohort | 106 | 43 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +105% | +1% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1008 | 1067 |
| ICSEA percentile | 51th | 74th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 31% | 12% |
| Students per teacher | 14.4 | 14.0 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 83.5 | 44.7 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 35.7 | 21.5 |
| Language background other than English | 34% | 27% |
| Indigenous students | 3% | 2% |
| Suburb | Rosewater 5013 | New Port 5015 |
| Council area | Port Adelaide Enfield | Port Adelaide Enfield |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.mcc.catholic.edu.au/ | www.portside.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Portside Christian College scores higher on the Success Index (53.5 vs 45.6).
- •Portside Christian College has the higher ICSEA (1067 vs 1008), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Mount Carmel College is the larger school with 1,204 students compared with 626.
- •Mount Carmel College has grown faster over five years (105% vs 1%).
- •Mount Carmel College is a catholic school while Portside Christian 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 Mount Carmel College better than Portside Christian College?
On the Success Index, Portside Christian College ranks higher (53.5 vs 45.6 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 Mount Carmel College and Portside Christian College?
About 2.5 km in a straight line, between Rosewater and New Port in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Mount Carmel College has 14.4 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Portside Christian College has 14.0.
How do Mount Carmel College and Portside Christian College rank in SA?
Mount Carmel College is 62nd of 145 and Portside Christian College is 46th of 145 among combined schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.