Nicolson Avenue Primary School vs Sunrise Christian School Whyalla
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in South Australia, 1.8 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Nicolson Avenue Primary School
Whyalla Norrie · Government primary · U, R-6
261 students · ICSEA 885
Sunrise Christian School Whyalla
Whyalla Norrie · Independent combined · R-10
257 students · ICSEA 1006
| Measure | Nicolson Avenue Primary School Whyalla Norrie SA | Sunrise Christian School Whyalla Whyalla Norrie SA |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 21 Lower 50% | 40 Lower 50% |
| State rank (type) | #340 of 348 | #83 of 145 |
| National rank (type) | #4724 of 4,908 | #857 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Government | Independent |
| Type | Primary | Combined |
| Year range | U, R-6 | R-10 |
| Students | 261 | 257 |
| Girls / boys | 128 / 133 | 117 / 140 |
| Foundation intake | 36 | 24 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | 37 |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -33% | +24% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 885 | 1006 |
| ICSEA percentile | 8th | 50th |
| Top SEA quarter | 2% | 11% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 71% | 27% |
| Students per teacher | 13.0 | 13.1 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 20.1 | 19.5 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 18.1 | 15.3 |
| Language background other than English | 7% | 21% |
| Indigenous students | 20% | 5% |
| Suburb | Whyalla Norrie 5608 | Whyalla Norrie 5608 |
| Council area | Whyalla | Whyalla |
| Remoteness | Outer Regional | Outer Regional |
| Website | nicolsonps.sa.edu.au/ | sunrise.sa.edu.au/whyalla/welcome |
The verdict
- •Sunrise Christian School Whyalla scores higher on the Success Index (40.3 vs 21.1).
- •Sunrise Christian School Whyalla has the higher ICSEA (1006 vs 885), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Nicolson Avenue Primary School is the larger school with 261 students compared with 257.
- •Sunrise Christian School Whyalla has grown faster over five years (24% vs -33%).
- •Nicolson Avenue Primary School is a government school while Sunrise Christian School Whyalla 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 Nicolson Avenue Primary School better than Sunrise Christian School Whyalla?
On the Success Index, Sunrise Christian School Whyalla ranks higher (40.3 vs 21.1 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 Nicolson Avenue Primary School and Sunrise Christian School Whyalla?
About 1.8 km in a straight line, between Whyalla Norrie and Whyalla Norrie in South Australia.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Nicolson Avenue Primary School has 13.0 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Sunrise Christian School Whyalla has 13.1.
How do Nicolson Avenue Primary School and Sunrise Christian School Whyalla rank in SA?
Nicolson Avenue Primary School is 340th of 348 and Sunrise Christian School Whyalla is 83rd of 145 among primary schools in South Australia on the 2025 Success Index.