Muirden Senior College vs St Mary's College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.2 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Muirden Senior College
Adelaide · Independent high school · 11-12
91 students · ICSEA 1079
St Mary's College
Adelaide · Catholic combined · R-12
659 students · ICSEA 1073
| Measure | Muirden Senior College Adelaide SA | St Mary's College Adelaide SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 76 Top 25% | 56 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #5 of 84 | #39 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #155 of 1,472 | #524 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Type | Secondary | Combined |
| Year range | 11-12 | R-12 |
| Students | 91 | 659 |
| Girls / boys | 72 / 19 | 659 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | – | 13 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 79 |
| Year 12 cohort | 50 | 100 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -6% | -22% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1079 | 1073 |
| ICSEA percentile | 78th | 76th |
| Top SEA quarter | 38% | 26% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 13% | 10% |
| Students per teacher | 7.0 | 10.8 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 12.3 | 60.9 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 1.0 | 32.1 |
| Language background other than English | 18% | 15% |
| Indigenous students | 8% | 1% |
| Suburb | Adelaide 5000 | Adelaide 5000 |
| Council area | Adelaide | Adelaide |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.muirden.sa.edu.au | www.stmarys.sa.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Muirden Senior College scores higher on the Success Index (75.6 vs 56.4).
- •Muirden Senior College has the higher ICSEA (1079 vs 1073), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Muirden Senior College has fewer students per teacher (7.0 vs 10.8).
- •St Mary's College is the larger school with 659 students compared with 91.
- •Muirden Senior College has grown faster over five years (-6% vs -22%).
- •Muirden Senior College is a independent school while St Mary's 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Muirden Senior College better than St Mary's College?
On the Success Index, Muirden Senior College ranks higher (75.6 vs 56.4 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 Muirden Senior College and St Mary's College?
About 1.2 km in a straight line, between Adelaide and Adelaide in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Muirden Senior College has 7.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and St Mary's College has 10.8.
How do Muirden Senior College and St Mary's College rank in SA?
Muirden Senior College is 5th of 84 and St Mary's College is 39th of 145 among secondary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.